India took on Sri Lanka today in the final of the Asian Cup, with India winning the toss and electing to bat second. The ageless run machine that is ‘Uncle‘ Sanath Jayasuriya made 125 from 114 balls (youtube here), as India were set 274 to win. A reasonable total, but not particularly high for a notoriously flat pitch.
In response, India were rattling along at 8 an over, until a young chap by the name of Ajantha Mendis was tossed the ball, and ripped through their order. The phenomenal young spinner took 6 wickets in his first six overs, going for a mere 9 runs (his final figures of 6-13 from 8 are hardly less impressive). Needless to say, India’s chances of victory were crushed.
Prepare yourselves for Mendis-mania. Muttiah who?
[...] 6, 2008 by A P Webster Highlights of Ajantha Mendis’ remarkable 6-13 in the Asian Cup final are available [...]