Asia Cup 2008

Target:309, India: 162/2 in 26 overs

Chasing exactly the total they had set yesterday against Pakistan, India made a promising start to their chase as Gambhir and Sehwag laid down a rock solid foundation, laying down claim to the world’s best opening partnership currently.

The Indian duo added 92 in only 70 balls as the Sri Lankan opening bowlers were taken to the cleaners in the absence of Chaminda Vaas. Then Sehwag got out to what was a very soft dismissal and Gambhir could not read a wrong one from the wily Muralitharan and was out shortly after getting his fifty.

After that Dhoni was promoted up the order in a move to counter the Sri Lankan spinners and protecting Yuvraj till the end. Raina was with him at the other end, nearing his 50. This partnership is the key to India’s fortunes in the match.

Earlier, Sri Lanka put up 308 for 8 in their 50 overs, thanks to fifties from Jayawardene, Kapugadera and Chamara Silva.

Tags: Asia Cup 2008, India, MS Dhoni, sri lanka, suresh raina