Virat Kohli cracked a half-century and Irfan Pathan bagged three key wickets to help India post an easy 39-run win over Sri Lanka in the one-off Twenty20 international in Pallekele on Tuesday.
In-form Kohli hit a 48-ball 68 for his maiden half-century in T20 internationals while paceman Pathan finished with 3-27 as India bowled Sri Lanka out for 116 after scoring 155-3.
Pathan jolted Sri Lanka's top order when he dismissed skipper Mahela Jayawardene (26), Tillakaratne Dilshan (0) and Upul Tharanga (5) in his opening three overs to reduce the hosts to 35-3. Seamer Ashok Dinda finished with 4-19, including three wickets in an over, as Sri Lanka lost their last six wickets for 20 runs. Angelo Mathews top-scored for Sri Lanka with 31.
Kohli earlier smashed one six and 11 fours being caught by Lahiru Thirimanne at deep mid-wicket off debutant paceman Shaminda Eranga, who took 2-30 off four overs. Brief scores: India 155-3 in 20 overs (V Kohli 68, S Raina 34 not out); Sri Lanka 116 all out in 18 overs (A Mathews 31, I Pathan 3-27, A Dinda 4-19)
KP puts his Test future in doubt
Leeds: Kevin Pietersen put his England Test future in doubt on Monday, saying that he would announce his decision following the final Test match against South Africa later this month. "I will talk after the next test match," said Pietersen told reporters. "It's tough being me, playing for England." "It's absolutely 100 per cent not about money..... There are clear things that I'm discussing. But there are other issues that need to be sorted. You'll find out soon enough. You're not going to find out tonight."
KP puts his Test future in doubt
Leeds: Kevin Pietersen put his England Test future in doubt on Monday, saying that he would announce his decision following the final Test match against South Africa later this month. "I will talk after the next test match," said Pietersen told reporters. "It's tough being me, playing for England." "It's absolutely 100 per cent not about money..... There are clear things that I'm discussing. But there are other issues that need to be sorted. You'll find out soon enough. You're not going to find out tonight."
CLT20 finds a new title sponsor
New Delhi: Karbonn Mobile has stepped in as the title sponsors for the CLT20 after Nokia ended its association with the tournament, scheduled to be held in South Africa from October 9 to 28. The event, said BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla, has been shifted out because of monsoon and festive season in the country.