The main architect of their wonderful run chase, after the Indians rattled up an impressive looking 196 for eight in the allotted 35 overs, was Ashley de Silva (53). They also had to thank the magnanimous Indian bowlers, who conceded as many as 24 wides in a total of 38 extra runs. The Lankans lost seven wickets while achieving the target in 33rd over.

Those supporting de Silva were Brendon Kuruppu (25) and skipper Duleep Mendis (20). For India Salil Ankola (2-22) and Suru Nayak (2-21) were the wicket takers.

Earlier, the Indians owed it to the 71-run first-wicket partnership between Roger Binny (27) and Salil Ankola (41) and some bold hitting in the middle order by skipper Sandeep Patil (22), Chetan Sharma (29) and Ashok Malhotra (27) propped up the team tally. The Lankan off spinner Madhursinghe claimed three for 29 while left arm spinner Don Anurasiri had two for 37India play their next match against West Indies at Jalandhar on February 9.

Brief Score
India: 196 for eight in 35 overs (Salil Ankola 41, Chetan Sharma 29, Ashok Malhotra 27, Roger Binny 27, Sandeep Patil 22; Madhursinghe 3-29, Don Anurasiri 2-37).

Sri Lanka: 197 for seven in 32.4overs (Ashley de Silva 52, Brendon Kuruppu 25, Duleep Mendis 20, Suru Nayak 2-21, Salil Ankola 2-22).