India nearly pulled off a last-over miracle before Sri Lanka prevailed by three runs in the final of the Asian Cricket Council Emerging Teams Cup here on Saturday.
Chasing Sri Lanka’s 270 for seven, India sunk to 238 for nine in the 47th over. But No. 9 Atit Sheth (28 not out, 15b, 1x4, 2x6) and last-man Mayank Markande (4 not out) raised visions of an improbable victory.
Needing 20 off the final over, bowled by Kamindu Mendis, Sheth struck two sixes and collected two twos, but it wasn’t enough.
Captain Jayant Yadav was the highest contributor to the Indian chase, his 71 coming in 85 balls (5x4).
Mendis had earlier top-scored for Sri Lanka with a 55-ball 61 (4x4, 1x6), batting at No. 6. Opener Hasitha Boyagoda made 54 (62b, 8x4).
The scores (final): Sri Lanka 270 for seven in 50 overs (Hasitha Boyagoda 54, Shehan Jayasuriya 46, Kamindu Mendis 61) bt India 267 for nine in 50 overs (Nitish Rana 40, Jayant Yadav 71, Shams Mulani 46).