Sri Lanka win Asia Cup

KARACHI: Unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis took six wickets to lead his team to a 100-run victory over India in the Asia Cup final at National Stadium on Sunday.

Mendis took 6-13 to bowl out India for 173 in 39.3 overs in reply to Sri Lanka’s 273 which revolved around a majestic 125 from experienced opener Sanath Jayasuriya who made 125 from 114 balls.

Sri Lanka won the cup for a record-equalling fourth time, matching India’s achievement. Mendis got rid of Virender Sehwag for 60 and Yuvraj Singh for a duck in his first over.

He saw off Suresh Raina (16) and Rohit Sharma (3) to finish with four for eight in his first four overs. In his second spell, Mendis struck twice in his second over, dismissing Irfan Pathan and RP Singh off successive balls.

Mendis, 23, came on to bowl when India were sitting pretty on 76 for one; by the time he had finished they were 97 for five.

Mendis then returned to take two wickets at the total of 154 to leave eight wickets down.

Mendis finished with 17 wickets in five matches in the tournament.

Reuters

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