Kusal kills off Indian hopes

KUSAL Perera has struck a belligerent 66 off 37 balls to set up a fivewicket victory for host Sri Lanka against India in the T20 tri-series opener in Colombo on Tuesday night (AEST).

Chasing 175 after Shikhar Dhawan smashed 90 from 49 balls, Sri Lanka stumbled early before Perera and Danushka Gunathilaka combined for a 21-ball, 58-run second-wicket stand.

The tournament continues when India faces Bangladesh at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium on Thursday.