After Indian batsmen’s collapse, Sri Lankan batsmen did some fireworks in the ground they registered a big win over India. It was a contrasting performance by Indian batsmen from last match, as they got out on just 138 runs in 33.3 overs. On the other hand, Sri Lankan openers made a partnership of 119 runs and they chased down the target in just 19.5 over by loosing only wicket of Dilshan.
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and expectedly decided to bat first. got off to a brisk start courtesy Virender Sehwag (15) as he blasted debutant Isuru Udana for a couple of boundaries as they raced to 31 in just three overs. But after Sehwag’s dismissal, no other batsman than Gautam Gambhir stayed on the pitch and wickets kept on falling on regular intervals. Gautam Gambhir scored a fighting 65 runs (96 balls) and also achieved his 32nd half century.
Defending a small target was always going to be difficult irrespective of the conditions and India needed early breakthroughs. However, Zaheer Khan, Irfan Pathan and Umesh Yadav presented the openers a lot of width as they raced to 64 for no loss before break.
Sri Lanka achieved the modest target with 181 balls to spare, with Upul Tharanga (59 not out) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (50) adding 119 for the opening wicket to help their team level the five-match series 1-1.
It was India’s second-biggest defeat by balls remaining in one-day internationals, their worst (209 balls) also coming against Sri Lanka at Dambulla in 2010.
Brief Scorecard
India: 138 runs (10 wkts, 33.3 overs), Gautam Gambhir – 65 runs (96 balls), R. Ashwin – 21 runs (15 balls), Thisara Perera - 3 wkts (8 overs, 19 runs)
Sri Lanka: 139 runs(1 wkt, 19.5 overs), Upul Tharanga - 133 runs not out (96 balls), Tillakaratne Dilshan - 50 runs (49 balls), R. Ashwin – 1 wit (5 overs, 18 runs)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 9 wkts
