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Asia Cup 2014, Match 4: Shikhar Dhawan anchors India to 264

Related Links: India v Sri Lanka at Fatullah – Full Scorecard | Arise Asia Cup 2014 – Schedule and Scorecards

Shikhar Dhawan top scored with 94

Shikhar Dhawan top scored with 94

Sri Lanka through its spin bowlers restricted India to a total of 264 for 9 in Match 4 of the Arise Asia Cup 2014 at Fatullah. India was looking good for a total close to 300 but the loss of key wickets at the wrong time of the innings ensured that they had to settle for 264. It still is a competitive total with the pitch giving assistance to the spinners and the bounce quite low. The batsmen have also struggled to time their shots with the ball just not coming onto the bat.

Ajantha Mendis made a tremendous comeback taking four wickets although he was slightly expensive going for 60 in his 10 overs. Off spinner Sachithra Senanayake contributed with three wickets while conceding only 41 off his 10 overs.

India was anchored nicely by a knock of 94 (from 114 balls with 7 fours and a six) by opener Shikhar Dhawan. Skipper Virat Kohli stroked a 51-ball 48 before he was the first victim of Ajantha Mendis’ mystery spinners. A carrom ball from Mendis completely bamboozled Kohli to end a promising stand of 97 for the 2nd wicket.

Ajantha Mendis also went onto remove Dinesh Karthik, caught with a leading edge trying to pull a carrom ball, Shikhar Dhawan, bowled by a skidding full ball in an attempted pull shot. Mendis’ fourth victim was Bhuvneshwar Kumar stumped down the legside.

India could collect only 89 runs in the last 15 overs as the Lankans went onto take 8 wickets! Sri Lanka had a problem on hand early on when Skipper Angelo Mathews walked off the park mid way through his over following a groin strain. Angelo Mathews returned back after a while on the field although he didn’t bowl at all.

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