It was a perfect game for Sri Lanka, says Dhoni

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IANS Mipur (Bangladesh)
Last Updated : Apr 06 2014 | 11:25 PM IST

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni Sunday admitted that his batsmen couldn't execute the plans well in the last four overs against Sri Lanka in the final of the ICC World Twenty20 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium here Sunday.

"In the middle overs, our batsmen tried our best to get going, but we couldn't convert the good start," said Dhoni, after India's six-wicket loss to Sri Lanka in the final.

Indians were done in by their inability to rotate strike and some smart death bowling by Sri Lankan captain Lasith Malinga (1/23) and Nuwan Kulasekara (1/29) as they surprisingly managed just 19 runs in the last four overs.

"We could have always got those 10-15 runs, but cricket is about those runs. The last four overs they executed their plans very well and for our side that doesn't play scoops well, that worked for them. Malinga with that slingy action kept bowling it wide. It was a perfect game for them," said Dhoni.

Virat Kohli was the stand out performer again for India with a fine 77 off 58 balls as the 2007 champions struggled to get 130 for four in 20 overs. Kohli was also adjudged Man of the Tournament.

Dhoni lauded Kohli for his consistent performance and said the Delhi boy has a bright future ahead of him.

"Virat has been brilliant in the last few years. He is someone who makes most of the opportunity. The good thing is that he plays authentic shots and still scores runs. He is got a bright future ahead of them," he said.

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First Published: Apr 06 2014 | 11:08 PM IST

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