On this day in 2014, Sri Lanka became the fifth country to lift the ICC World Twenty20 trophy as they registered their maiden title victory in the format on the back of defeating India by 6 wickets in Dhaka.
With the then regular captain Dinesh Chandimal serving a suspension due to slow over rate, vice-captain Lasith Malinga led Sri Lanka in the final match.
India’s batting
The experienced fast bowler’s decision of winning the toss and electing to field proved successful as the Sri Lankan bowlers restricted India to a below par 130/4 in 20 overs.
Having scored his eighth T20I half-century, Kohli top-scored for India with his 77 (58) with the help of five fours and four sixes. However, all other Indian batsmen failing to get going never really provided them with the much-needed momentum.
The match is particularly remembered for India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh struggling big time in the slog overs. Looking out-of-sorts with the bat, the southpaw scored 11 (21) before getting out in the penultimate over.
While spinner Rangana Herath, all-rounder Angelo Mathews and seamer Nuwan Kulasekara picked a wicket apiece, each one of them containing the Indian batsmen was the key for them.
Sri Lanka’s Chase
Chasing a 131-run target, Sri Lanka did lose wickets at regular intervals but veteran wicket-keeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara’s eighth T20I half-century was the glue which kept their innings intact.
Sangakkara, then 36, scored 52* (35) with the help of six fours and a six to seal the chase in the 18th over. Kumar Sangakkara bags the man of the match tittle while Indian cricketer Virat Kohli took the man of the tournament award. It is worth mentioning that both Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene (24) retired from the format after winning the World Cup. The pair stitched a brief 24-run stand for the third wicket before Jayawardene got out to India’s Suresh Raina in the 10th over.
