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Sri Lanka once again became the best in Asian cricket as the side led by Mahela Jayewardene managed to defend its Asia Cup title on Sunday. Sri Lanka beat India by 100 runs at the National stadium Karachi in Pakistan on Sunday, July 6, 2008. The victory can largely be attributed to Sri Lankan sensational spinner Ajantha Mendis, who took six wickets for just 13 runs.
Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and chose to bowl first. Sanath Jayasuriya however hit a smashing 125 to put a decent score for Sri Lanka on the board. The Sri Lankans made 273 in their 50 overs. The Indian side was dismissed for 173 runs in 39.3 overs in the day and night final. At the Asia Cup that was hosted for the first time by Pakistan, President Pervez Musharraf graced the final match as the chief guest. He awarded the Asia cup trophy besides the winners’ cheque for US$60,000 to Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayewardene. Ajantha Mendis was declared the Man of the Match and the Man of the Tournament for his remarkable bowling spell.
Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka: 273/10
India: 173/10
Man of the Match: Ajantha Mendis
Man of the Series: Ajantha Mendis
