COLOMBO, 2 August 2004 — The Indians failed to tame the Sri Lankan lions in their own den, suffering a 25-run defeat against the hosts who claimed the Asia Cup cricket crown for the third time, all three at home.
In fact the Indians were brutally mauled by the Lankans who yet against proved their invincibility at home.
Chasing a non-too-formidable target, the Indians were 203 for nine in their 50 overs after the Lankans had scored 228 for nine at the Premadasa Stadium here last night.
Defending a modest total, the Lankans bowled and fielded like true champions to emerge worthy winners.
Except for Sachin Tendulkar who struck a masterful 74, and there was some hope for the Indians till he was at the crease, no other Indian batsman displayed the same degree of application and dedication.
But once he was bowled by Dilshan, it was all over for India.
Tendulkar, however, won the personal battle against Muttiah Muralitharan, hoisting a mighty six over square leg to drive him out of the attack.Like in the case of the Indians, the spinners did most of the damage.
Leg-spinner Upul Chandana took the wickets of Dravid, Yuvraj and Kaif to knock all fight out of the Indians.
A last-minute use of the bottom handle by Zaheer Khan who smashed two sixes in his unbeaten 28, it was too little too late.
Man-of-the-Match skipper Marvan Atapattu revived his team after a poor start with a fighting half century while Man-of-the-Series and winner of the Maruti Esteem car Sanath Jayasuriya did well as a bowler, taking two wickets for 34 runs.
Chandana was the pick of the bowlers with three for 33. The Sri Lankan innings was rescued by a dogged third wicket partnership of 116 runs between Atapattu and wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara.
He home team were in deep trouble at 31 for two after Atapattu had won the toss and opted to bat.
The law of averages finally caught up with master batsman Jayasuriya.
He has consistently tormented the Indians and appeared in ominous form as he struck two forceful boundaries.
But Irfan Pathan trapped him leg before as he shuffled across and missed the line.
Irfan appealed only half-heartedly but was pleasantly surprised when umpire David Shepherd raised his finger.
Jayasuriya’s opening partner Avishka Gunawardene who did well in the earlier matches, fell in trying to clear the infield off Ashish Nehra to find Ganguly at midoff.
The Lankans were thus under pressure and the run rate never really took off though Atapattu and Sangakkara batted watchfully and punished any loose deliveries that came their way. Sangakkara was fortunate to get a reprieve when on six as V. V. S. Laxman floored a sharp chance in the slip off Zaheer Khan.
Otherwise the Indians fielded well and took all the catches that came their way as also effected two run outs.
Sangakkara was given a second life when on 38. He played to short third man where substitute Balaji fielded and quickly threw to wicketkeeper Dravid with Sangakkara stranded well outside the crease.
Dravid failed to collect the ball and Sangakkara scrambled home.
However, he duly completed his half century and played a crucial role in the Lankan recovery.
He was bowled by Sehwag when on 53.
He hit six fours.
Atapattu played a captain’s knock.
He seemed well set when he went for a suicidal run.
Sehwag threw to bowler Tendulkar who removed the bails and umpire Billy Bowden did not even need to consult the third umpire.
Atapattu’s 65 runs were compiled with the help of eight boundaries.
Part-time bowlers Sehwag and Tendulkar who were supposed to share the 10 overs of the fifth bowler, did such a marvelous job that each ended up bowling 10 overs.
Sehwag proved to be the most economical, conceding only 32 runs. With wickets falling at regular intervals, the Lankans failed to accelerate the scoring rate bur still managed a respectable total.
Irfan bowled seven overs and took two wickets for 33 runs.
Tendulkar has really done well with the ball in this tournament and finished with two for 40.
Harbhajan came in for some rough treatment and took one wicket for 48.
Needing to score at the rate of 4. 58 runs an over, the Indians were given a flying start when Sehwag flicked Vaas’ first ball to the fence.
But Vaas soon had his revenge having the mercurial batsman playing back and missing to be leg before.
India were still reeling from the first blow when Zoysa struck, inducing an edge from Ganguly for a diving Jayewardene to take an excellent catch.
India had their back to the wall early in the innings at 26 for two.
The packed stadium enjoyed every minute of the action as the Lankans fielded brilliantly, making the Indians to struggle for every run.
But Tendulkar and Laxman set about the task of reviving the innings.
Laxman drove and lofted for two boundaries but it was Tendulkar who was in his element.
The little champion used his heavy bat like a sledge hammer to leave the fielders rooted to the ground as he drove through the covers, the ball streaking to the boundary.
The introduction of Muralitharan was greeted with thunderous applause.
But it was the ever dangerous Jayasuriya who gave the Lankans the much-needed breakthrough.
Laxman went for a drive but checked his shot playing straight to the fielder in the covers.
India had lost their third wicket for 62 and the run rate had fallen below four per over.
Tendulkar kept one end going but lost partners at the other end.
Dravid was smartly taken by Dilshan at second attempt in the slip.
When Tendulkar left, bowled by Dilshan trying to force the pace, it was all over for India. This must rate among one of Tendulkar’s best innings though it was in a losing cause.
