Maharoof’s Hat-Trick Inspired Sri Lanka to Victory over India before Asia Cup Final
Farveez Maharoof inspired Sri Lanka to crush India in a one-sided match just before the Asia Cup final. Maharoof was instrumental in the Sri Lankan success, as he destroyed the Indian lower order with a hat-trick. It also provided the Sri Lankan Tigers a morale boost just before the two sides will meet again in the Asia Cup final.
India, who started the innings in a shaky manner as they lost three wickets for 19 runs, ended in same fashion, as they lost four of their wickets in four consecutive balls (in the 38th and 39th overs). Despite the fact that India tried their best to control the tempo of the match, they were countered by the brilliant bowling and fielding of the Sri Lankan team. For Sri Lanka, the main heroes were Rangana Herath and Maharoof. Herath and Maharoof are both not included in the list of regulars of the Sri Lankan team. They were brought in place of senior players, who were rested before the big final. And both of them made the most of their opportunities with match-winning performances. Herath destroyed the Indian top order with two early wickets, and Maharoof cleaned the Indian lower order with his first ODI hat-trick.
Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to field, as they wanted to get match practise under dim lights before the final. Indian batsman started confidently, as they took the Sri Lankan attack up front. They completed 50 runs in the 11th over without any loss. But it was Suraj Randiv who changed the flow of the match, when he took the brilliant catch of Gautam Gambhir on the bowling of Angelo Mathews. The catch was reminiscent of Jonty Rhodes’ famous catch in the 1992 World Cup.
With the fall of Kohli and Karthik, India lost their initial edge. From 58 for 1, the score went to 77 for 3 courtesy of Herath. Dinesh Karthik lost his wicket after scoring 40 runs. This is 13th consecutive time Karthik has failed to convert his 20 plus score into a half century. Raina and Rohit Sharma provided some stability to the collapsing Indian batting, as they put a 33 run stand between them. Herath struck again as he removed Raina in the 23rd over. After Raina’s dismissal, Indian skipper MS Dhoni came and put a hefty partnership of 79 with Rohit Sharma. But Dhoni was dismissed once again through the brilliant fielding of the Sri Lankan players. Just after Dhoni was gone, the collapse of India started, as Maharoof dismissed Jadeja, Praveen Kumar, Zaheer Khan and Ashok Dinda in subsequent deliveries, completing three wickets in three deliveries (the former three).
With a nominal target of 209 set by India, it was obvious that Sri Lanka would not have much trouble in chasing the score. They showed their intent as Dilshan hit two boundaries and one six in the first over bowled by Zaheer Khan. It was obvious that the Sri Lankans meant business. Following the footsteps of Dilshan, Upul Tharanga bashed the Indian bowlers all over the park. India got some respite when they were successful in removing both of the openers, but it was too late by then. Half centuries by Sangakkara and Jayawardene steered Sri Lanka towards victory, as they won the match with 7 wickets and 12 overs to spare.
Commenting on his hat-trick, Man of the Match Maharoof said, “To be honest, for the hat-trick wicket I planned it but the first two I bowled in the good areas and luckily got the wickets. I am really happy. This venue suits my style of bowling, once you hit that back of a length there's something for the bowlers, that's what I rely on a lot; it was one of those days when everything went right."
Sri Lanka will be going in the final of Asia Cup as favourites, as they overcame their mighty opponents with ease. Being the host nation is, of course, an added advantage. India will need to sort out their mistakes if they want to succeed in the Asia Cup. Dhoni’s men were tested in the 6th and penultimate match of the Asia Cup, and they will be tested once again in the final.
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