The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sports Reporter

India reached the final of the Asia Cup when they defeated Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in their Super Four match of the Asia Cup at the National Stadium in Karachi on Thursday.

Sri Lanka also confirmed their berth. Electing to bat first Sri Lanka made 308 for the lose of 8 wickets in 50 overs. In reply, India romped home and dry in 46.5 overs making 310 for the lose of 4 wickets.

MS Dhoni hit a captain’s knock of 67 of 62 balls. Gautam Gambhir and Virendar Sehwag made a solid start as the two openers of India contributed 92 runs in the opening stand.

Gautam Gambhir hit a brilliant 68 facing 61 deliveries. He struck 11 shots across the ropes. Virendar Sehwag cracked 42 off 34 balls amid six fours and a huge six.

Earlier, Sri Lanka made a poor start as the islanders lost their early two wickets for 71 runs. C Kapugedara and Mahela Jayawardene repaired the damage adding together 78 runs for the third wicket partnership before Jayawardene was caught by Gautam Gambhir of P Ojha making exact 50. He hit four fours in his 63-ball knock.

Later, Kapugedara and Chamara Silva contributed together 68 runs in the fourth wicket stand before Kapugedara was trapped lbw by Praveen Kumar when Sri Lanka's total was 217 for the loss of four wickets. Kapugedara notched up his team's highest of 75 playing 78 deliveries. He struck seven fours and a six.

Chamara Silva made a fine 50 off 56 balls.

Earlier, opener Sanath Jayasuriya hit 43 facing 37 deliveries. He struck eight shots through the ropes.

Later, T Thushara and K Weeraratne added 33 each to the Sri Lanka total.

Ishant Sharma was his team's most successful bowler. He claimed a couple of wickets at the cost of 55 runs.

Besides, P Ojha, Praveen Kumar, KP Singh and Irfan Pathan took one wicket each.