Colombo: On Tuesday India accomplished a successful tour with a breathtaking three-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the only Twenty20 international.

Set target of 172 for win in 20 overs, India overcame a mid-innings fail to secure a spectacular win thanks to a dazzling eighth-wicket stand among brothers Yusuf and Irfan Pathan.

India slumped to 115 for seven after leg-spinner Malinga Bandara claimed 3 for 32, but the two Pathans rescued India with an steady 59-run stand in just 25 balls.

Irfan Pathan cracked an unbeaten 33 from 16 deliveries with two sixes and Yusuf stroked 22 not out off just 10 balls with the aid of two sixes and a four.

India, who also won the one-day series 4-1, clinched success with four balls to spare with Irfan swinging a massive six over mid-wicket.
Sri Lanka’s stand-in captain Tillakaratne Dilshan had previously top-scored for the hosts with 61 from 47 balls, an innings that incorporated seven fours and one six.

Dilshan was provided early support by fellow opener Sanath Jayasuriya, who smashed 33 from just 17 balls with two sixes, helping add 59 for the first wicket in 5.5 overs.

Off-spinner Yusuf Pathan was India’s best bowler, taking two for 23 from four economical overs in the middle of the innings.

India started their run chase poorly, slumping to 14 for two, but Yuvraj Singh (32) and Suresh Raina (35) regained the initiative with a 67-run stand.

Part-time off spinner Jehan Mubarak dragged Sri Lanka back into the game by showing Yuvraj pavilion.

Sri Lanka looked to be heading for victory as Jayasuriya bowled a miserable spell, taking 1 for 10 from three overs, as India crashed from 81 for 2 to 115 for 7.

Nevertheless, the Pathan brothers ended the match with a exciting partnership.