Sri Lanka collapse against Indian paceman

Reuters

Posted online: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 0823 hrs IST

Sydney, February 26:
Pacemen Praveen Kumar and Ishant Sharma captured four wickets each as Sri Lanka collapsed to be all out for 179 in Tuesday's tri-series one-day international at Hobart.

Kumar took 4-31 and Ashant 4-41 as the Indians polished off the Sri Lankan innings in 47.1 overs to move a step closer to booking a place in the finals against Australia.

Sri Lanka were in danger of settling for a much small total when they slumped to 93-7 in the 26th over before Chamara Kapugedera rescued the innings with 57.

Sri Lanka need to win the match and Friday's clash with Australia in Melbourne to leapfrog India in the standings and make the best-of-three finals.

They made a strong start at Bellerive Oval on Tuesday when opener Sanath Jayasriya and wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara took the score along to 72-1 in the 15th over before the wickets suddenly started to tumble.

Sangakkara went for 33 then Jayasuriya followed for 34 as Kumar and Sharma ripped through the middle-order, picking up six wickets for 21 runs in 11 overs.

Kapugedara, who was recalled to the side for Farveez Maharoof, gave the Sri Lankans something to bowl at when he struck four boundaries in his 86-ball knock before he was the last man out.