INDIA v SRI LANKA

At Sharjah, April 9. India won by eight wickets. Toss: Sri Lanka.

Victory left India well-placed in the qualifying table, especially as they boosted their run-rate by passing their target inside 34 overs. They bowled well, fielded well, and Tendulkar batted superbly. He drove his way to an unbeaten 112 from 105 balls, including 15 fours and a six. His first 50 took just 44 balls but he then steadied himself to play a big innings; it was his fourth century in limited-overs internationals since September. Prabhakar supported him in an opening stand of 161, which settled the outcome. Sri Lanka had reached 60 for one before sliding to 113 for six, with three wickets falling to Prasad. Tillekeratne and Dharmasena then put on 71, but it was too late to set India a real challenge.

Man of the Match: S. R. Tendulkar.