September 30 Monday 2002
Final to be replayed as rain spoils India's efforts

COLOMBO: The Champions Trophy cricket tournament day-night final between India and Sri Lanka was abandoned due to rain at the Premedasa Stadium here on Sunday.

The match will be replayed on Monday. India, needing 245 to win, were 14 for no loss in two overs when umpires Steve Bucknor of the West Indies and David Shepherd of England called off the match following heavy showers.

Virender Sehwag was batting on 13 and Dinesh Mongia on one. The day-night final at the same venue will begin afresh, according to the tournament rules.

Earlier, Harbhajan Singh grabbed 3-27 as India restricted Sri Lanka despite skipper Sanath Jayasuriya's 74. India struck back after Jayasuriya had threatened to put his team on course for a big total with his 51st half-century, but his team-mates failed to keep up the momentum against a disciplined spin attack.

Off-spinners Harbhajan and Sehwag kept it tight when it mattered most to contain the hosts. Sehwag did not take a wicket, but conceded just 32 off 10 overs. Jayasuriya paced his innings well on a slow pitch as he initally curbed his shots to deny India early success, adding 65 for the opening wicket with Marvan Atapattu (34) and 90 for the next with Kumar Sangakkara (54).

The hosts had eight wickets in hand in the last 20 overs when Jayasuriya fell playing a lofted shot off seamer Ajit Agarkar, with Harbhajan taking a well-judged catch at mid-off.

India played with three seamers on a slow turning pitch, but none could provide an early breakthrough. Veteran fast bowler Javagal Srinath had an off-day as he conceded 36 in his opening five overs. He joined the team early this morning after being summoned from England to replace an injured Ashish Nehra.

Aravinda (18) failed to make the most of a missed chance as he was caught behind while trying to cut Harbhajan and walked before the umpire had raised his finger, waving his bat to the crowd after playing what he had said was his last match at home.