Asia Cup

At Dambulla, July 18, 2004 (day/night). Sri Lanka won by 12 runs. Sri Lanka 5 pts, India 1 pt. Toss: Sri Lanka.

The only high-profile clash of the first round sparked an engrossing contest, though the tournament's structure meant the winners gained nothing more than a psychological edge, since both teams had already qualified for the next phase. In the end, it was Sri Lankan confidence that enjoyed a boost. They piled up 282 on a sluggish pitch thanks to a frenetic late-innings stand between Jayawardene and Sangakkara, who put on 116 at almost eight an over. Zoysa then burst through with the new ball and followed up with a laser-like throw from third man to run out Sehwag. India, without the injured Laxman, were in disarray on 71 for four. But Dravid cobbled together 133 with Yuvraj Singh to resuscitate the run-chase. However, Muralitharan bowled Dravid via an inside edge for 82 just when he was upping the tempo. The lower order provided a late flourish, but with Sri Lanka's death bowlers holding their nerve, the rate grew too steep.

Man of the Match: D. N. T. Zoysa.