Sri Lanka break finals jinx to win World T20 title

The finals hoodoo has been broken. Sri Lankan supporters can finally smile. Their golden generation of cricketers, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakaratne Dilshan and captain for the last three matches Lasith Malinga have something to show for their efforts.

In This Pic : Sri Lanka cricket team

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After coming second-best in the last four ICC finals, the Islanders managed to grab their hands on the big prize by winning the fifth edition of the ICC World T20 with a six-wicket win over India at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday.

In This Pic : Sri Lanka cricket team

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They got there with 13 balls to spare. Set to chase a modest 131, Lanka were guided by Kumar Sangakkara, who struck a majestic, unbeaten 52 (35 balls; 6x4, 1x6) to see them home. Man of the Match Sangakkara, playing his last T20 International, was well assisted by Thisara Perera, who belted 21 not out in 14 balls (1x4, 2x6) as the duo added 54 runs in 5.2 overs on a wicket that wasn't easy to bat on, with the ball stopping on the batsmen. Perera was drafted into the side at the expense of leg-spinner Sekkuge Prasanna, and what a call it turned out to be.

In This Pic : Kumar Sangakkara

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India, who were unchanged from the side that beat South Africa in the semis, looked to be back in the game when Amit Mishra dismissed Lahiru Thirimanne caught behind for just two. At that stage, Sri Lanka were 78 for 2 needing 53 runs off 45 balls. Sangakkara's wicket then could have swung the game in India's favour but the experienced southpaw held one end up and as the target drew closer, started hitting out. Perera carted a few big ones too.

In This Pic : Lahiru Thirimanne, Amit Mishra

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Credit should also be given to another great servant of Sri Lankan cricket, Mahela Jayawardene, who too was playing his last T20 International. He soaked in the pressure after the early loss of Kushal Perera and hit a run-a-ball 24 ensured they got some stability back in the innings.

In This Pic : Mahela Jayawardene

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