Though Bhutia was adjudged as the Man of the Match, but the real star for India's win was Dias, who combined with Surkumar to create as many as nine chances. Dias himself was on target twice.

As early as in the second minute Anthony Pereira had only the goalkeeper to beat but could not get past Asanka Viraj's stretched hand. Four minutes later, Viraj was again the saviour when he spectacularly saved Dias's swerving shot.

The Dias-Surkumar combo finally managed to break through when Dias curled one in from Surkumar's pass and Bhutia headed in to give India the lead.

In the second half, Sri Lanka showed some initiative to get the equaliser and it came through Ruwanthilake's header off a flag-kick.

Seven minutes later, Gourmangi tapped in off a rebound from N.P Pradeep's header. The goal infuriated the Sri Lankan captain Chathura Maduranga who slapped goalkeeper Viraj.

With five minutes remaining for the final whistle, Dias darted in to connect Renedy Singh's long ball and shot past Viraj.

India: Subrata Paul; Surkumar Singh, Gourmangi Singh, Anwar, Mahesh Gawli; Steven Dias (Syed Rahim Nabi, 88), Climax Lawrence, N.P.Pradeep (Mahrajuddin Wadoo, 90+), Anthony Pereira (Renedy Singh, 63); Sunil Chettri, Bhaichung Bhutia

Sri Lanka: H.Kumara, Dinesh Ruwanthilake, R.Warakagoda, H.Hettiarachchi, Ramlan Tuwan Gafoor Raheem (Tharusa Rangana, 78); Chatura Maduranga, Chathura Gunaratne, Mohamed Rawme Mohideen, Mohamed Asmeer (R.M.J.D. Rathnayake 61); Mohamed Naufar Mohamed Issadeen, Ediri Bandalage Channa

Referee: Adil Ali (Maldives)