INDIA CASHED in gold that booked them a place in the final of the Asia Cup 2008 opposite Sri Lanka, while they defeated the same nation comprehensively in the penultimate Super Fours game. At the same point, Pakistan has been knocked out of the tournament despite a triumph over India and a game to be played against Bangladesh.

India opened the game with a touch more desperation than Sri Lanka; who had already registered themselves a spot in the final, following their unbeaten streak before Thursday’s (July 3) game. Sri Lanka’s batting opened the game, with a troubled first wicket partnership of just 16 runs in 3.5 overs between the wicket keeper Sangakkara and Sanath Jayasuriya; as Sangakkara was dismissed on a score of mere seven runs. Skipper Mahela Jayawardane and Jayasuriya continued their conventional impetus, before Jayasuriya fell for 43 runs.

This was followed by three brilliant partnerships owing to Jayawardene (50 runs off 63 balls), C Kapugedera (75 runs off 78 balls) and Chamara Silva (50 runs off 56 balls). After the fall of the fifth wicket for a confident 245, Sri Lanka looked in complete dominance, giving the Indian bowlers little to work on. A rush of wickets during the closing stages of their innings broke the current of runs, and what should have been a total of 320 was restricted to 308 for eight wickets.

India opened their innings with yet another spectacle venting out from Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir’s bats, with a 92 run partnership in just 11.4 overs. Virender Sehwag’s soft dismissal on 42 off 34 balls paved way for Suresh Raina, who seemed to flow with the same momentum. However, Gambhir’s fall for 68 brought in a consolidated spell, with Suresh Raina and the skipper MS Dhoni picking singles at regular intervals. The required rate slightly shifted to Sri Lanka’s side, but the containment of wickets was always a demanding factor for them. The two gradually picked up force to make the required rate drop below run a ball; polished by Dhoni’s incredible paddle sweeps and Suresh Raina’s emphatic cover drives.

Suresh Raina was unfortunately run out while he dived despairingly, and his bat managed to hang in the air. Yuvraj Singh started off on an uneasy note, saving himself from what could’ve been another run out. Dhoni fell for an applauded 67 off 62 balls – for which he bagged the Man of the Match award as well – leaving Yuvraj, Sharma and the new batsman Rohit Sharma with a virtual cakewalk – with 56 runs required off 12 overs; a rate of 4.6 runs per over. India ultimately stood victorious, with six wickets to spare. This match proved to be a dress rehearsal for the final showdown to be battled on July 6.