OTD Ajanatha Mendis heroics denied India Asia Cup

Former Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis registered his name history books with his sensational bowling performance that took his team to the Asia Cup 2008 title. Facing the MS Dhoni-led India, the mystery spinner delivered his career-best spell in the summit clash.

The game began with MS Dhoni winning the toss and opting to bowl. The Indian pacers removed the first four batters inside 12 overs. However, Sanath Jayasuriya held one end, and hammered 125 off 114 balls, supported by Tillakaratne Dilshan’s 56. Nuwan Kulasekara’s late cameo pushed Sri Lanka to 273.

India’s chase began by losing Gautam Gambhir, but Virender Sehwag smashed 60 off just 36 deliveries. With Suresh Raina alongside him, India reached 76 in under 10 overs. However, once Mendis was brought in, Indian batters had no answers to tackle him. On just his second ball, Mendis outfoxed Sehwag with a variation, leading to a stumping. Two balls later, he bowled Yuvraj Singh for a duck. Raina soon followed, bamboozled by Mendis’ deliveries.

Jayawardene gave Mendis an extended spell, and he removed Rohit Sharma, Irfan Pathan, and RP Singh in no time. His final figures were of 6 wickets for just 13 runs in 8 overs.

MS Dhoni tried to anchor the innings with a 49, while Robin Uthappa chipped in with 20. But the Men in Blue were bundled out for 173, handing Sri Lanka a 100-run win and their fourth Asia Cup title.

Mendis not only won the Player of the Match award but was also named Player of the Series for picking 17 wickets and scoring 46 runs across the tournament.

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