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Sri Lanka chased a revised target of 154 runs in 21 overs after India had scored 195 for five wickets in their allotted 29 overs at the Manuka Ground.
"If you are chasing 154 (instead of 196) your approach changes a lot. A team can keep only two fielders in catching position and you can't save the boundaries," Dhoni said after the match.
Dhoni said it was not that Indian bowling was below-par but the Sri Lankans took risks and were successful.
"Most of the time their openers were clearing the field. Tillakratne Dilshan, the way he carried on, was the key performer. They got a very good start and cleared everything.
It wasn't as if our bowlers were bowling badly. But they took the risk and were successful," he said.
"By the time I realised it, they were 50 on the board and the game was over," he rued.
India's fielding also became a little ragged when the chase was on but Dhoni put it down to wet conditions in the outfield.
"It wasn't an easy ground to field to. The field was wet and it was difficult to move on. Having said so, I think we still need to put up a better show in the field," Dhoni said.
Dhoni also spoke for Yuvraj Singh, who failed again, and the youngsters in the team.
"You can't score a century off one ball. Yuvraj has suffered failures in this tournament but today it was different. There were not many balls left.
"I am also happy that youngsters are scoring and availing their opportunities. In India, when youngsters fail, the pressure mounts on them. They start taking it in a negative way," he said.
"In India, it's always the case that a youngster has to earn a few matches for themselves. They should be getting ample chances whether they succeed or not," Dhoni added.
The Indian captain defended his bowlers who went for runs and also bowled a fair number of wides and no-balls.
"I don't think Sreesanth bowled badly. He was bowling in right areas but the openers were clearing the field most of the times.
"But every extra run hurts and if we can cut down on wides, it would help."
Dhoni praised the format of the tournament and said any team can make a comeback in it.
"The amount of matches a side can play allows any team to come back and perform well."
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