India warm up with win over Sri Lanka

Irfan Pathan scalped five wickets as India warmed up for the World Twenty20 with a comfortable 26-run victory over hosts Sri Lanka in their first practice match in Colombo today.

Irfan Pathan scalped five wickets as India warmed up for the World Twenty20 with a comfortable 26-run victory over hosts Sri Lanka in their first practice match in Colombo on Saturday.

Irfan-Pathan-L-celebrates-taking-the-wicket-of-Sri-Lanka-s-Dilshan-Munaweera-during-their-warm-up-cricket-match-ahead-of-the-World-Twenty20-T20-cricket-series-in-Colombo-Reuters-photo-Dinuka-Liyanawatte

India scored 146 for five, riding on captain MS Dhoni's unbeaten 55 and then Pathan took centrestage with an impressive five for 25 to skittle out the Islanders for 120 in 19.3 overs at the P Sara Oval.

Continuing his fine run, Pathan ripped through the Lankan top order before coming back to dismiss the lower middle order in the end. The Baroda speedster was ably supported by comeback man

Lakshmipathy Balaji, who claimed three for 28. Set a victory target of 147, Sri Lanka received an early jolt as Pathan castled opener Dilshan Munaweera on the last ball of the first over.

Brief scores: India 146 for 5 (Dhoni 55no, Rohit Sharma 37) ; Sri Lanka 120 (Irfan 5/25)