IndiaPost.com - India move into tri-series final by thrashing Lanka

HOBART: An inspired India stormed into the cricket tri-series final as they relied on a clinical display by their young pace men to thrash Sri Lanka by seven wickets in a low-scoring game here. Desperately needing to win the last match to secure a place in the final, the Indians completely dominated the encounter with pace sensation Ishant Sharma (4/41) and rookie pacer Praveen Kumar (4/31) bundling out the islanders for a paltry 179 in 47.1 overs to set up the victory.

The Indian batsmen then overhauled the target without much fuss with 17.4 overs to spare in what turned out to be a one-sided encounter at the Bellerive Oval. Sachin Tendulkar, who has not been in the best of touch in the series, marked his return to form with a sizzling 54-ball 63 on a good batting track.

Gautam Gambhir, who remained not out on 63 from 90 balls, held the innings together after Robin Uthappa, promoted to open the innings, was out cheaply for 11 in the second over. The Delhi batsman also hit the winning runs off Muttiah Muralitharan, who was hammered for 54 runs in his 8.2 overs, to trigger off wild celebrations in the Indian dressing room.

The emphatic victory also gave India a bonus point, taking their tally to 17 points from eight matches. Australia, who have already qualified for the finals, have 26 points while Sri Lanka were languishing at the bottom of the table with 6 points.

The last match between Australia and Sri Lanka has now been rendered inconsequential. The first of the best of three finals will be played on March 2 at Sydney Young Uttar Pradesh all-rounder Praveen Kumar hogged the spotlight as he claimed four wickets for 31 runs while Ishant Sharma was no less behind in picking up 4 for 41.

Irfan Pathan wasn't much noticed in the wicket-column but he bowled his 10 overs for only 23 runs. A damp wicket proved too difficult to negotiate for the Lankan batsmen who kept perishing in trying to force the pace, three of their batsmen mistiming pull shots to be caught inside the ring.

Chamara Kapugedera (57) alone held the innings together by batting for 86 balls and hitting four fours. Kapugedera eked out two important stands of 46 and 40 runs with Lasith Malinga (12) and Muthiah Muralitharan (13) for the seventh and eighth wicket before his own Dismissal in the 47th over.

Mahela Jayawardene's team appeared one of all intent and purpose as they played early attacking cricket to put the Indians on the back foot. The first ball of the innings was flicked to the Midwicket fence and as Sanath Jayasuriya took roots, cutting fours and lifting sixes, Indians had a fight on hand. Jayasuriya (34) looked determined to make his first useful contribution of the series and along with Kumar Sangakkkara (33) put on 57 runs for the second wicket.

Sangakkara's departure put the skids under the Sri Lankan feet to the extent that six further wickets were lost with only 21 added to the total. Sangakkara walked down the wicket to Praveen Kumar and tried to steer him past the slips but the edge was brilliantly grabbed by Dhoni diving to his left.

Skipper Mahela Jayawardene (3) disappointed when he cut Praveen apishly for Rohit Sharma to come up with a good catch at point. Praveen had soon picked up his third wicket when Chamara Silva tried to hoist Kumar on the onside and mistimed for Dhoni to complete one of the easiest catches.

Sri Lanka's worries did not ease when Jayasuriya made a similar terrible contact with a ball from Ishant Sharma and the ball ballooned for Dhoni to grab one more into his haul. Ishant Sharma was now brought back into the attack and he justified it with two quick wickets, Tillakratne Dilshan (8) and Chaminda Vaas (0) falling to his quick pace and movement.