Mathews, Sangakkara take Sri Lanka to 274/8

Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews (92) and Kumar Sangakkara (61) helped Sri Lanka post 274 for eight against India in the second One-Day International (ODI) of the five-match series at the Sardar Patel Stadium here Thursday.

The duo forged a 90-run partnership for the fourth wicket after their team were struggling at 54 for three in 13.5 overs.

Sangakkara, 37, hit four boundaries while Mathews hit a six and 10 fours to help the visitors set a fighting total for India.

The visitors got off to a poor start when opener Kusal Perera (0) was given leg before wicket off a right-arm fast bowler Umesh Yadav delivery in the first over.

Sangakkara joined Tilakaratne Dilshan (35) and the duo did the repair job and stitched a 51-run stand till left-arm spinner Axar Patel dismissed Dilshan.

Sri Lanka fell deeper into trouble as Mahela Jayawardene (4) hit a Ravichandran Ashwin delivery straight into the hands of deep mid-wicket fielder Shikhar Dhawan.

Sangakkara and Mathews came together and started the repair work. After a slow start, they upped the ante and scored at a healthy pace to lead the Sri Lankan fightback.

Sangakkara's innings ended when he miscued a full toss from Yadav into the hands of long-on fielder Dhawan, who completed a over-head catch with the team score reading 154 for four in 32.2 overs.

Mathews, however, continued to flourish despite losing Seekkuge Prasanna (13) and Ashan Priyanjan (1) within next five overs.

Axar and Ashwin removed Thisara Perera (10) and Suraj Randiv (10) before Dhammika Prasad (30) gave good support to his captain and forged a 54-run partnership in 40 balls to take the total to 274.