A bizarre Mankad incident did not stop Lahiru Thirimanne steering Sri Lanka to 6-289 in their one-day clash with India at the Gabba.

Thirimanne hit six fours in a fighting 63-ball 62 after Sri Lanka won the toss – but had some anxious moments in the 40th over.

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin looked set to cause a major incident when he knocked off the bails as he came into bowl and appealed – with non-striker Thirimanne well out of his crease.

Thirimanne – then 44 not out – looked unimpressed as umpires Paul Reiffel and Billy Bowden conferred with Indian captain Virender Sehwag.

Indian great Sachin Tendulkar then emerged as the voice of reason.

As the umpires discussed the issue with Sehwag, Tendulkar walked over, provided his opinion and India’s appeal was withdrawn.

Ashwin (2-50 off 10 overs) finally got his man in the 46th over thanks to a fine running catch by Suresh Raina as Sri Lanka looked for quick runs.

Late hitting by Angelo Mathews (49 not out off 37 balls) ensured a tough run chase for India.

Needing victory to remain in contention in the tri-series, third-placed Sri Lanka made their intentions clear with the bat from the outset.

They cruised to 0-95 in the 19th over before suffering a mini-collapse to be 3-124 by the 28th.

Captain Mahela Jayawardene (45), Tillekeratne Dilshan (51) and Kumar Sangakkara (8) went in quick succession.

But Sri Lanka began their fightback when Dinesh Chandimal (38) put on 71 for the fourth wicket with Thirimanne before being bowled by Irfan Pathan (2-54 off 10).

Running out a player at the non-striker’s end is referred to as a `Mankad’ after former cricketer Vinoo Mankad.