India in Sri Lanka - Sri LankaVsIndia
R.Premadasa Stadium (Khettarama), Colombo , 3rd ODI
Toss won by: India
India lead the 5-ODI series 2-1
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Current Run Rate : 4.16 Full Scorecard |
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| Batsmen | R | B | 4s | 6s | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajantha Mendis | 6 | 10 | 0 | 0 | not out |
Muttiah Muralidaran 204 / 49
Second Innings | First Innings
Batting : Sri Lanka
Bowling : India
India win by 33 runs and lead the series 2-1. Jayawardena played a captains knock but that was not enough to take the Lankans to victory. He shared a couple of good partnerships but there was no further support for him as the Lankans wickets kept on tumbling. India held their nerves to script a victory beacuse they were a bowler short. Yuvraj filled the gap for the fifth bowler taking the important wicket of a well set Kulasekara. Praveen Kumar (2-62), Zaheer (3-23), Munaf (3-42), Harbhajan (1-29) and Yuvraj (1-37) all took wickets to pull down the high flying Lankans. Dhoni was the Man of the Match for his brilliant innings. Thats all from us for the day have a nice time and do join us for the commentary of the all exciting 4th ODI between India and Sri Lanka from the R.Premadasa Stadium.
48.6 M Patel to M Muralidaran, OUT - Bowled him! Muralidaran yorks Muralidaran with a peach of a delivery. Sri Lanka have been bowled out for 204 runs. India win by 33 runs. 204/10
48.5 M Patel to M Muralidaran, Muralidaran fails to put bat on ball. 204/9
48.4 M Patel to M Muralidaran, Defended off the front foot by Muralidaran. 204/9
48.3 M Patel to M Muralidaran, Muralidaran fails to put bat on ball. 204/9
48.2 M Patel to M Muralidaran, Top edge! The ball is in the air. Two runs conceded. 204/9
48.1 M Patel to A Mendis, Mendis has edged the ball. One run conceded. 202/9
47.6 Z Khan to A Mendis, Thick inside edge by Mendis
47.5 Z Khan to M Muralidaran, Muralidaran has dug out that yorker at the last second. The batsmen have run through for a single. 200/9
47.4 Z Khan to M Muralidaran, Muralidaran has attempted to play that one - but missed. 199/9
47.3 Z Khan to M Muralidaran, Muralidaran has punched the ball off the backfoot. 199/9
47.2 Z Khan to M Muralidaran, Muralidaran gets a bottom edge on that one. 199/9
47.1 Z Khan to M Muralidaran, Muralidaran has attempted to put bat on ball - but fails. 199/9
46.6 P Kumar to A Mendis, The ball is way wide on the leg side but Mendis still goes after it. 199/9
46.5 P Kumar to M Muralidaran, Muralidaran has pushed it to the cover region. One run conceded. 199/9
46.4 P Kumar to M Muralidaran, Muralidaran gets a bottom edge on that one. 198/9
46.3 P Kumar to A Mendis, Played through mid-wicket by Mendis. One run conceded. 198/9
46.2 P Kumar to A Mendis, Driven through the covers by Mendis for a couple. 197/9
46.1 P Kumar to M Muralidaran, Played through mid-wicket by Muralidaran. One run added to the total. 195/9
45.6 M Patel to M Muralidaran, Pushed to the cover region by Muralidaran. One run added to the total. 194/9
45.5 M Patel to A Mendis, Driven through the covers by Mendis. One run added to the total. 193/9
Muralidaran is the last man in
45.4 M Patel to M J'dena, OUT - J'dena has played it fine down the leg side. That is easy pickings for Kumar Sri Lanka have lost their ninth wicket. 192/9
45.3 M Patel to M J'dena, J'dena has played it to the point region. The ball has crossed the ropes. Four runs has been signalled by Umpire Doctrove. 192/8
45.2 M Patel to M J'dena, J'dena has played it to the point region. 188/8
45.1 M Patel to M J'dena, J'dena has played it fine down the leg side. The ball races to the boundary. Four runs has been signalled by Umpire Doctrove. 188/8
54 needed off 30 balls. Munaf to bowl
44.6 P Kumar to A Mendis, Mendis comes down the track and misses it completely. 184/8
44.5 P Kumar to A Mendis, Mendis comes down the track and misses it completely. 184/8
44.4 P Kumar to A Mendis, Defended off the front foot by Mendis. 184/8
44.3 P Kumar to M J'dena, Driven through the covers by J'dena. One run added to the total. 184/8
44.2 P Kumar to M J'dena, J'dena has lofted it over Mid-on. This one's gone all the way over the ropes for a six. Excellent shot by J'dena. Umpire Wijewardene raises his arms in the air to signal a six. 183/8
44.1 P Kumar to M J'dena, J'dena has played the square drive. Good effort by Singh to save a certain boundary. Two runs added to the total. 177/8
43.6 Z Khan to A Mendis, Defended off the back foot by Mendis. 175/8
Mendis is the new man in
43.5 Z Khan to T Thushara, OUT - Khan has cleaned up Thushara with a yorker. Sri Lanka have lost their eighth wicket. 175/8
43.4 Z Khan to M J'dena, Driven through the covers by J'dena for a single. 175/7
43.3 Z Khan to M J'dena, J'dena fails to put bat on ball. 174/7
43.2 Z Khan to M J'dena, J'dena has played it to the point region. 174/7
43.2 Z Khan to M J'dena, The ball is too wide on the off side for J'dena to make any contact. Wide signalled by Umpire Doctrove. 174/7
43.1 Z Khan to T Thushara, Thushara has lofted it over covers. One run added to the total. 173/7
42.6 M Patel to T Thushara, Driven through the off side by Thushara. One run added to the total. 172/7
42.5 M Patel to M J'dena, Driven through the covers by J'dena. Singh has dropped the catch. The batsmen have run through for a single. 171/7
42.4 M Patel to T Thushara, Thushara drives through the covers. One run added to the total. 170/7
42.3 M Patel to M J'dena, J'dena has played it fine down the leg side. One run added to the total. 169/7
42.2 M Patel to T Thushara, Driven through the off side by Thushara. The batsmen have run through for a single. 168/7
42.1 M Patel to T Thushara, Thushara fails to put bat on ball. 167/7
41.6 P Kumar to M J'dena, Played to the point region by J'dena. 167/7
41.5 P Kumar to T Thushara, The ball strikes Thushara very low on the pads Umpire Doctrove signals Leg Bye. One run added to the total. 167/7
41.4 P Kumar to M J'dena, J'dena plays a sweep shot. One run conceded. 166/7
41.3 P Kumar to T Thushara, Thushara has played it fine down the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single. 165/7
41.2 P Kumar to T Thushara, Played to the point region by Thushara. 164/7
41.1 P Kumar to T Thushara, Thick inside edge
40.6 M Patel to T Thushara, Played through mid-wicket by Thushara. One run added to the total. 160/7
40.5 M Patel to T Thushara, It's been lofted over Mid-on by Thushara. A diving effort by Badrinath goes in vain. Two runs conceded. 159/7
40.4 M Patel to M J'dena, Driven through the covers by J'dena fo a single. 157/7
40.3 M Patel to M J'dena, J'dena has slammed it through point. Good effort by Kumar to ensure the ball doesnt cross the line. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs. 156/7
40.2 M Patel to T Thushara, Driven through the leg side by Thushara. The batsmen have run through for a single. 154/7
40.1 M Patel to M J'dena, Played to the point region by J'dena. The batsmen have run through for a single. 153/7
39.6 P Kumar to T Thushara, The ball strikes Thushara very low on the pads 152/7
39.5 P Kumar to M J'dena, Played through mid-wicket by J'dena. One run conceded. 152/7
39.4 P Kumar to T Thushara, Thushara has edged the ball. One run added to the total. 151/7
39.3 P Kumar to M J'dena, J'dena has played it through mid-wicket. One run conceded. 150/7
39.2 P Kumar to T Thushara, Played to the point region by Thushara. A direct hit by Kohli but J'dena makes it home. The Third Umpire has been called for by Umpire Doctrove. The Third Umpire's decision is in favour of J'dena. 149/7
39.1 P Kumar to M J'dena, Driven through the leg side by J'dena. The batsmen have run through for a single. 148/7
Praveen Kumar has been brought back in the attack
38.6 Y Singh to T Thushara, Thushara fails to put bat on ball. 147/7
38.5 Y Singh to M J'dena, J'dena plays the pull-shot. The batsmen have run through for a single. 147/7
Fifty partnership between Jayawardena and Thushara
38.4 Y Singh to M J'dena, J'dena has driven it straight down the ground. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs. 146/7
38.3 Y Singh to M J'dena, J'dena works it down the leg side. Two runs added to the total. 144/7
38.2 Y Singh to M J'dena, J'dena has played it through mid-wicket for a couple. 142/7
38.1 Y Singh to M J'dena, Played to the point region by J'dena. 140/7
37.6 R Sharma to M J'dena, J'dena flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total. 140/7
37.5 R Sharma to M J'dena, Defended off the back foot by J'dena. 139/7
37.4 R Sharma to M J'dena, J'dena flicks it away with a wristy shot. 139/7
37.3 R Sharma to T Thushara, Punched off the backfoot by Thushara. Spirited effort by Patel to save runs for his team. Three runs added to the total. 139/7
37.2 R Sharma to M J'dena, J'dena plays the pull-shot for a single. 136/7
37.1 R Sharma to M J'dena, J'dena plays the pull-shot. The ball has crossed the ropes. Four runs has been signalled by Umpire Doctrove. 135/7
36.6 Y Singh to M J'dena, Driven through the off side by J'dena. The batsmen have run through for a single. 131/7
36.5 Y Singh to M J'dena, J'dena has lofted it over covers. The ball races to the boundary. Umpire Wijewardene signals a boundary. 130/7
36.4 Y Singh to M J'dena, J'dena rocks onto the backfoot and punches the ball for a couple. 125/7
36.3 Y Singh to T Thushara, Played through mid-wicket by Thushara for a single. 124/7
36.2 Y Singh to T Thushara, Thushara has played it to the point region. 123/7
36.1 Y Singh to M J'dena, Played to the point region by J'dena. The batsmen have run through for a single. 123/7
35.6 H Singh to T Thushara, Thushara has attempted to play that one...but missed. 122/7
35.5 H Singh to T Thushara, Thushara has played that with the full face of the bat. 122/7
35.4 H Singh to T Thushara, Thushara has attempted to play that one - but missed. 122/7
35.3 H Singh to M J'dena, J'dena has pushed it to the cover region. One run conceded. 122/7
35.2 H Singh to T Thushara, Thushara has played it to the point region for a single. 121/7
35.1 H Singh to M J'dena, J'dena plays a sweep shot. The batsmen have run through for a single. 120/7
34.6 Y Singh to M J'dena, Pushed to the cover region by J'dena. 118/7
34.5 Y Singh to M J'dena, Driven through the off side by J'dena straight to the fielder. 118/7
34.4 Y Singh to M J'dena, Played through mid-wicket by J'dena. Two runs added to the total. 118/7
34.3 Y Singh to M J'dena, Defended off the front foot by J'dena. 116/7
34.3 Y Singh to M J'dena, The ball is way wide on the leg side but J'dena still goes after it Umpire Wijewardene signals a wide. 116/7
34.2 Y Singh to M J'dena, J'dena has pushed it to the cover region. 115/7
34.1 Y Singh to T Thushara, Driven through the leg side by Thushara. The batsmen have run through for a single. 115/7
33.6 H Singh to M J'dena, J'dena drives the ball straight down the ground. 114/7
33.5 H Singh to T Thushara, Thushara plays a sweep shot for a single. 114/7
33.4 H Singh to T Thushara, Thushara fails to put bat on ball. 113/7
33.3 H Singh to T Thushara, Thushara has edged the ball. 113/7
33.2 H Singh to T Thushara, Thushara has attempted to put bat on ball - but fails. 113/7
33.1 H Singh to M J'dena, Driven through the leg side by J'dena. One run added to the total. 113/7
32.6 Y Singh to T Thushara, Thushara plays the slog sweep. The ball races to the boundary. Umpire Wijewardene signals a boundary. 112/7
32.5 Y Singh to M J'dena, J'dena plays the pull-shot. One run added to the total. 108/7
32.4 Y Singh to T Thushara, Played to the point region by Thushara. One run conceded. 107/7
32.3 Y Singh to M J'dena, J'dena works it down the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single. 106/7
32.2 Y Singh to T Thushara, Top edge! The ball is in the air. One run conceded. 105/7
32.1 Y Singh to T Thushara, That ball has taken the inside edge of Thushara and thudded into his pads. 104/7
31.6 H Singh to M J'dena, J'dena plays the Square-Cut. Two runs conceded. 104/7
31.5 H Singh to M J'dena, J'dena plays a leg glance to fine leg. 102/7
31.4 H Singh to M J'dena, Played to the point region by J'dena. 102/7
31.3 H Singh to T Thushara, Driven through the off side by Thushara. One run conceded. 102/7
31.2 H Singh to T Thushara, Played to the point region by Thushara. 101/7
31.1 H Singh to T Thushara, Thushara has attempted to put bat on ball - but fails. 101/7
30.6 Y Singh to T Thushara, Thushara has punched the ball off the backfoot. One run conceded. 101/7
30.5 Y Singh to T Thushara, Thushara has attempted to play that one - but missed. 100/7
30.4 Y Singh to T Thushara, Thushara has driven it through the off side. 100/7
30.3 Y Singh to T Thushara, Defended off the front foot by Thushara. 100/7
30.2 Y Singh to T Thushara, Edged by Thushara. Catch dropped by in the slips. 100/7
30.1 Y Singh to T Thushara, Thushara has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 100/7
29.6 H Singh to M J'dena, J'dena drives through the leg side. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs. 100/7
29.5 H Singh to T Thushara, Played to the point region by Thushara. The batsmen have run through for a single. 98/7
29.4 H Singh to T Thushara, Played to the point region by Thushara. 97/7
29.3 H Singh to T Thushara, Thushara has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 97/7
29.2 H Singh to T Thushara, Thushara has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 97/7
29.1 H Singh to M J'dena, Played through mid-wicket by J'dena. One run added to the total. 97/7
28.6 Y Singh to T Thushara, Played to the point region by Thushara. 96/7
28.5 Y Singh to T Thushara, Played to the point region by Thushara. 96/7
28.4 Y Singh to T Thushara, Thushara lets the ball go outside his off stump. 96/7
28.3 Y Singh to T Thushara, Thushara has played that with the full face of the bat. 96/7
28.2 Y Singh to M J'dena, Pushed to the cover region by J'dena. The batsmen have run through for a single. 96/7
28.1 Y Singh to M J'dena, J'dena has played that with the full face of the bat. 95/7
27.6 H Singh to T Thushara, Thushara has been beaten by the off spin. 95/7
27.5 H Singh to T Thushara, Thushara drives the ball straight down the ground. 95/7
27.4 H Singh to T Thushara, Thushara has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 95/7
27.3 H Singh to T Thushara, Left alone by Thushara. 95/7
27.2 H Singh to M J'dena, Driven through the leg side by J'dena. One run added to the total. 95/7
27.1 H Singh to M J'dena, The ball hits the pads of J'dena. 94/7
26.6 Y Singh to T Thushara, That's hit Thushara on his pads outside the leg stump. 94/7
Thushara is the next man in. He can bat a bit.
Funny gestures form Yuvraj to celebrate the wicket. Harbhajan too joins him with a crooked mans walk.
26.5 Y Singh to N Kulasekara, OUT - The ball strikes Kulasekara very low on the pads The fielding side are asking the question. Umpire Wijewardene raises his finger. Sri Lanka have lost their seventh wicket. 94/7
26.4 Y Singh to N Kulasekara, Kulasekara has played it to the point region. Dhoni hits the stumps but Kulasekara is well home. The Third Umpire has been called for by Umpire Wijewardene. The Third Umpire's decision is in favour of Kulasekara. 94/6
26.3 Y Singh to N Kulasekara, Kulasekara has attempted to put bat on ball - but fails. 94/6
26.2 Y Singh to N Kulasekara, Kulasekara plays the Square-Cut but not in the gaps. 94/6
26.1 Y Singh to M J'dena, Edged by J'dena. They've managed to run three. 94/6
25.6 H Singh to M J'dena, J'dena drives through the leg side. One run conceded. 91/6
25.5 H Singh to N Kulasekara, Driven through the off side by Kulasekara. The batsmen have run through for a single. 90/6
25.4 H Singh to M J'dena, J'dena guides it to third man. The batsmen have run through for a single. 89/6
25.3 H Singh to N Kulasekara, Kulasekara has flicked the ball off his pads. One run conceded. 88/6
25.2 H Singh to M J'dena, J'dena works it down the leg side. One run added to the total. 87/6
25.1 H Singh to M Jayawardena, Ball hits Jayawardena low on the pads. The fielding side appeals in unison. Umpire Doctrove decides Jayawardena is not out. 85/6
24.6 Y Singh to M J'dena, Defended off the front foot by J'dena. 85/6
24.5 Y Singh to N Kulasekara, Played to the point region by Kulasekara. The batsmen have run through for a single. 85/6
24.4 Y Singh to N Kulasekara, Defended off the front foot by Kulasekara. 84/6
24.3 Y Singh to N Kulasekara, Played to the point region by Kulasekara. 84/6
24.2 Y Singh to M J'dena, Played to the point region by J'dena. The batsmen have run through for a single. 84/6
24.1 Y Singh to M J'dena, J'dena fails to put bat on ball. 83/6
23.6 H Singh to M J'dena, Played through mid-wicket by J'dena. One run conceded. 83/6
23.5 H Singh to N Kulasekara, Kulasekara drives through the leg side. One run added to the total. 82/6
23.4 H Singh to N Kulasekara, Kulasekara has played that with the full face of the bat. 81/6
23.3 H Singh to M J'dena, J'dena has played it through mid-wicket. The batsmen have run through for a single. 81/6
23.2 H Singh to M J'dena, Played through mid-wicket by J'dena. 80/6
23.1 H Singh to M J'dena, Defended off the front foot by J'dena. 80/6
22.6 M Patel to N Kulasekara, Defended off the front foot by Kulasekara. 80/6
22.5 M Patel to N Kulasekara, Kulasekara has played that with the full face of the bat. 80/6
22.4 M Patel to N Kulasekara, Bouncer! Kulasekara does well to evade it. Umpire Wijewardene signals one bouncer for the over. 80/6
22.3 M Patel to M J'dena, Guided down to fine leg by J'dena. One run conceded. 80/6
22.2 M Patel to M J'dena, Played through mid-wicket by J'dena. 79/6
22.1 M Patel to M J'dena, J'dena has lofted it over Patel. The ball has crossed the ropes. Umpire Wijewardene signals four runs. 79/6
21.6 H Singh to N Kulasekara, Defended off the front foot by Kulasekara. 75/6
21.5 H Singh to M J'dena, J'dena flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total. 75/6
21.4 H Singh to M J'dena, J'dena has been hit on the pads as he tried to sweep that one. The fielding side appeals in unison. Umpire Doctrove decides J'dena is not out. 74/6
21.3 H Singh to N Kulasekara, Driven through the leg side by Kulasekara. One run added to the total. 74/6
21.2 H Singh to M J'dena, J'dena has played it through mid-wicket. One run conceded. 73/6
21.1 H Singh to M J'dena, J'dena guides it to third man. 72/6
20.6 M Patel to M J'dena, J'dena has played it through mid-wicket. The batsmen have run through for a single. 72/6
20.5 M Patel to N Kulasekara, Kulasekara has flicked the ball off his pads. One run conceded. 71/6
20.4 M Patel to N Kulasekara, Kulasekara has played that with the full face of the bat. 70/6
20.3 M Patel to N Kulasekara, Kulasekara has played that with the full face of the bat. 70/6
20.2 M Patel to N Kulasekara, Kulasekara has played that with the full face of the bat. 70/6
20.1 M Patel to N Kulasekara, Kulasekara has played that with the full face of the bat. 70/6
19.6 H Singh to M J'dena, The ball hits the pads of J'dena. 70/6
19.5 H Singh to N Kulasekara, Kulasekara plays a leg glance to fine leg. The batsmen have run through for a single. 70/6
19.4 H Singh to M J'dena, J'dena works it down the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single. 69/6
19.3 H Singh to N Kulasekara, Pushed to the cover region by Kulasekara. The batsmen have run through for a single. 68/6
19.2 H Singh to N Kulasekara, Kulasekara defends it off the back foot. 67/6
19.1 H Singh to N Kulasekara, Kulasekara has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 67/6
18.6 M Patel to M J'dena, Defended off the back foot by J'dena. 67/6
18.5 M Patel to M J'dena, J'dena flicks it away with a wristy shot. The ball has crossed the ropes. Four runs has been signalled by Umpire Wijewardene. 67/6
18.4 M Patel to N Kulasekara, Defended off the back foot by Kulasekara. One run conceded. 63/6
18.3 M Patel to M J'dena, J'dena drives through the leg side. One run conceded. 62/6
18.2 M Patel to N Kulasekara, Edged by Kulasekara. The batsmen have run through for a single. 61/6
18.1 M Patel to N Kulasekara, Kulasekara has played that with the full face of the bat. 60/6
17.6 H Singh to M J'dena, Played through mid-wicket by J'dena. 60/6
17.5 H Singh to M J'dena, Played through mid-wicket by J'dena. 60/6
17.4 H Singh to N Kulasekara, Kulasekara flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total. 60/6
17.3 H Singh to N Kulasekara, Kulasekara has played that with the full face of the bat. 59/6
Kulasekara is the new man in
17.2 H Singh to C Vaas, OUT - Harbhajan is through his defenses the stumps have been shattered by Singh. Sri Lanka have lost their sixth wicket. 59/6
17.1 H Singh to M J'dena, Played through mid-wicket by J'dena for a single. 59/5
Zaheer makes way for Harbhajan in the attack
16.6 M Patel to C Vaas, Vaas lets the ball go outside his off stump. 58/5
16.5 M Patel to C Vaas, The ball is way outside the off stump
16.4 M Patel to C Vaas, Left alone by Vaas. 58/5
Vaas is the new man in. India have opened up the tail.
16.3 M Patel to T Dilshan, OUT - Finally Dilshan who is frustrated with the tight line gets a thin edge to Dhoni. Dhoni takes a straight forward catch. Sri Lanka have lost their fifth wicket. 58/5
16.2 M Patel to T Dilshan, Dilshan drives through the covers. He is looking uncomfortable against Patel who is bowling a tight line. 58/4
16.1 M Patel to T Dilshan, Dilshan has punched the ball off the backfoot. 58/4
15.6 Z Khan to M J'dena, Defended off the front foot by J'dena. 58/4
15.5 Z Khan to M J'dena, The ball thuds in to the pads of J'dena. The fielding side appeals in unison. Umpire Doctrove shows no interest in the appeal. 58/4
15.4 Z Khan to M J'dena, Played to the point region by J'dena. 58/4
15.3 Z Khan to M J'dena, Driven through the leg side by J'dena straight to the fielder. 58/4
15.2 Z Khan to M J'dena, Defended off the front foot by J'dena. 58/4
15.1 Z Khan to M J'dena, Driven through the off side by J'dena. 58/4
Third Power Play taken. Overs 16-20.
14.6 M Patel to T Dilshan, Dilshan has attempted to play that one - but missed. 58/4
14.5 M Patel to M J'dena, The ball seems to have come off the bat and pad of J'dena but there is no Silly Point. The batsmen have run through for a single. 58/4
14.4 M Patel to M J'dena, J'dena has played that with the full face of the bat. 57/4
14.3 M Patel to T Dilshan, Played to the point region by Dilshan. One run conceded. 57/4
14.2 M Patel to T Dilshan, Dilshan has played that with the full face of the bat. 56/4
14.1 M Patel to T Dilshan, Pushed to the cover region by Dilshan. 56/4
13.6 Z Khan to T Dilshan, Dilshan has edged the ball. One run added to the total. 56/4
13.5 Z Khan to T Dilshan, Dilshan has attempted to put bat on ball - but fails. 55/4
13.4 Z Khan to T Dilshan, Dilshan has played that with the full face of the bat. 55/4
13.3 Z Khan to T Dilshan, Ball hits Dilshan low on the pads. 55/4
13.2 Z Khan to T Dilshan, Thick inside edge by Dilshan
13.1 Z Khan to T Dilshan, Ball hits Dilshan low on the pads. No appeal. 51/4
12.6 M Patel to M J'dena, J'dena has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 51/4
12.5 M Patel to M J'dena, J'dena has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 51/4
12.4 M Patel to M J'dena, Defended off the front foot by J'dena. 51/4
12.3 M Patel to M J'dena, J'dena has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 51/4
12.2 M Patel to M J'dena, J'dena has played that with the full face of the bat. 51/4
12.1 M Patel to T Dilshan, Dilshan works it down the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single. 51/4
Munaf Patel introduced in the attack
11.6 Z Khan to M J'dena, Defended off the front foot by J'dena. 50/4
11.5 Z Khan to M J'dena, J'dena chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. 50/4
11.4 Z Khan to M J'dena, J'dena has played that with the full face of the bat. 50/4
11.3 Z Khan to M J'dena, J'dena has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 50/4
11.2 Z Khan to M J'dena, J'dena has played that with the full face of the bat. He wont take any risk now as the ball is not coming on to the bat as needed. 50/4
11.1 Z Khan to M J'dena, J'dena has played that with the full face of the bat. 50/4
10.6 P Kumar to T Dilshan, Dilshan has lofted that over mid wicket. The ball races to the boundary. Umpire Wijewardene signals four runs. 50/4
10.5 P Kumar to T Dilshan, Dilshan plays the pull-shot. The ball has crossed the ropes. Four runs has been signalled by Umpire Wijewardene. 46/4
10.4 P Kumar to T Dilshan, Dilshan has played that with the full face of the bat. 42/4
10.4 P Kumar to T Dilshan, Dilshan goes after a wide one and misses. Poor delivery by Kumar. Wide signalled by Umpire Wijewardene. 42/4
10.3 P Kumar to T Dilshan, Dilshan plays the pull-shot but not off the meat of the bat. 41/4
10.2 P Kumar to T Dilshan, Dilshan has played it through mid-wicket. 41/4
10.1 P Kumar to T Dilshan, Dilshan has punched the ball off the backfoot. 41/4
Power Play 2 taken. Overs 11-15.
End of the first Power Play which was fruitful for India.
9.6 Z Khan to M J'dena, Left alone by J'dena. 41/4
9.5 Z Khan to T Dilshan, Edged by Dilshan. One run added to the total. 41/4
Dilshan is the new man in
9.4 Z Khan to C Silva, OUT - Silva caught napping on the crease hits him low on the pads. The fielding side appeals in unison. Umpire Doctrove raises the dreaded finger. Sri Lanka have lost their fourth wicket. 40/4
9.3 Z Khan to C Silva, Silva lets the ball go outside his off stump. 40/3
9.2 Z Khan to C Silva, Silva has been struck on the thigh-pad. No appeal as the ball hits the batsman outside the line of the stumps. 40/3
9.1 Z Khan to C Silva, Defended off the front foot by Silva. 40/3
8.6 P Kumar to M J'dena, J'dena flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs. 40/3
8.5 P Kumar to C Silva, Silva works it down the leg side. One run conceded. 38/3
Silva is the new man in
8.4 P Kumar to C Kapugedera, OUT - Ball hits Kapugedera low on the pads. The fielding side appeals in unison. Umpire Wijewardene thinks it is plump and raises the dreaded finger. Sri Lanka have lost their third wicket. 37/3
8.3 P Kumar to C Kapugedera, Defended off the front foot by Kapugedera. 37/2
8.2 P Kumar to C Kapugedera, It's a clean strike over mid wicket. by Kapugedera. That was six from the time it left the bat of Kapugedera. Six signalled by Umpire Wijewardene. 37/2
8.1 P Kumar to C Kapugedera, Left alone by Kapugedera. 31/2
7.6 Z Khan to M J'dena, Driven through the leg side by J'dena. 31/2
7.5 Z Khan to M J'dena, J'dena chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. 31/2
7.4 Z Khan to M J'dena, J'dena drives through the covers. 31/2
7.3 Z Khan to M J'dena, J'dena has attempted to put bat on ball - but fails. 31/2
7.2 Z Khan to M J'dena, J'dena fails to put bat on ball. 31/2
7.1 Z Khan to M J'dena, J'dena has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 31/2
6.6 P Kumar to C Kapugedera, The ball is way outside the off stump
6.5 P Kumar to M J'dena, Played to the point region by J'dena. One run conceded. 31/2
6.4 P Kumar to C Kapugedera, Kapugedera flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total. 30/2
6.3 P Kumar to C Kapugedera, Defended off the front foot by Kapugedera. 29/2
6.2 P Kumar to C Kapugedera, Kapugedera has attempted to play that one - but missed. 29/2
6.2 P Kumar to C Kapugedera, Kapugedera watches the bouncer go way above his head. Umpire Wijewardene has signalled a wide. 29/2
6.1 P Kumar to C Kapugedera, Defended off the front foot by Kapugedera. 28/2
5.6 Z Khan to C Kapugedera, Kapugedera drives through the covers. One run conceded. 28/2
5.5 Z Khan to C Kapugedera, Kapugedera has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 27/2
5.4 Z Khan to C Kapugedera, Wide outside off stump
5.3 Z Khan to M J'dena, J'dena plays a leg glance to fine leg for a single. 27/2
Jayawardena is the new man in after the departure of Sangakkara
5.2 Z Khan to K Sangakkara, OUT - Great reply from Zaheer after being hit for a boundary as the ball hits Sangakkara low on the pads. The fielding side is asking the question. Umpire Doctrove declares Sangakkara OUT. Sri Lanka have lost their second wicket. 26/2
5.1 Z Khan to K Sangakkara, Sangakkara plays the Square-Cut. The ball has crossed the ropes. Four runs has been signalled by Umpire Doctrove. 26/1
4.6 P Kumar to C Kapugedera, Wide outside off stump
4.5 P Kumar to C Kapugedera, Wide outside off stump
4.4 P Kumar to C Kapugedera, Kapugedera defends it off the back foot. 22/1
4.3 P Kumar to C Kapugedera, Good answer... Kapugedera has played the square drive to perfection. The ball races to the boundary. Umpire Wijewardene signals a boundary. 22/1
4.2 P Kumar to C Kapugedera, Kapugedera lets the ball go outside his off stump. The ball is dancing in the air. There is a lot of movement. 18/1
Kapugedera is the new man in
4.1 P Kumar to S Jayasuriya, OUT - Jayasuriya has edged a widish delivery. Dhoni makes no mistake. Accepts it gleefully. Jayasuriya back in the hut. 18/1
3.6 Z Khan to K Sangakkara, Sangakkara defends it off the back foot. 18/0
3.5 Z Khan to K Sangakkara, Sangakkara has attempted to put bat on ball - but fails. 18/0
3.4 Z Khan to K Sangakkara, Driven through the leg side by Sangakkara. 18/0
3.3 Z Khan to K Sangakkara, Sangakkara has taken the risk and lofted it over the in field. The ball has crossed the ropes. Four runs has been signalled by Umpire Doctrove. 18/0
3.2 Z Khan to K Sangakkara, Sangakkara has attempted to put bat on ball - but fails. 14/0
3.1 Z Khan to K Sangakkara, Sangakkara tries flicking a ball that is wide on the leg stumps. 14/0
2.6 P Kumar to S Jayasuriya, Driven through the covers by Jayasuriya. Kohli has dropped the catch. The ball races to the boundary. Four runs has been signalled by Umpire Wijewardene. 14/0
2.5 P Kumar to S Jayasuriya, This time he connects. Jayasuriya plays the Square-Cut. The ball races to the boundary. Umpire Wijewardene signals a boundary. 10/0
2.4 P Kumar to S Jayasuriya, Jayasuriya fails to put bat on ball. He feels that he certainly missed a boundary. 6/0
2.3 P Kumar to S Jayasuriya, Pushed to the cover region by Jayasuriya. 6/0
2.2 P Kumar to S Jayasuriya, Defended off the front foot by Jayasuriya. 6/0
2.1 P Kumar to S Jayasuriya, Jayasuriya has played that with the full face of the bat. 6/0
1.6 Z Khan to S Jayasuriya, Pushed to the cover region by Jayasuriya. The batsmen have run through for a single. 6/0
1.5 Z Khan to S Jayasuriya, Sprucely defended off the front foot by Jayasuriya. 5/0
1.4 Z Khan to K Sangakkara, Sangakkara works it down the leg side for a single. 5/0
1.3 Z Khan to K Sangakkara, Played to the point region by Sangakkara. 4/0
1.2 Z Khan to K Sangakkara, Played through mid-wicket by Sangakkara but straight to the fielder. 4/0
1.1 Z Khan to K Sangakkara, Left alone by Sangakkara. 4/0
Zaheer to share the new ball with Praveen Kumar
0.6 P Kumar to S Jayasuriya, The ball is too wide on the off side for Jayasuriya to make any contact. 4/0
0.5 P Kumar to S Jayasuriya, Jayasuriya plays the Square-Cut. No chance for the third man. The ball went to the boundary in a flash. Umpire Wijewardene signals a boundary. 4/0
0.4 P Kumar to S Jayasuriya, Jayasuriya chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. 0/0
0.3 P Kumar to S Jayasuriya, Jayasuriya shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the backfoot. 0/0
0.2 P Kumar to S Jayasuriya, Jayasuriya fails to put bat on ball. 0/0
Praveen Kumar to start the proceedings from the Khettarama End.
0.1 P Kumar to S Jayasuriya, Defended off the back foot by Jayasuriya. Good line
Praveen Kumar to start the proceedings from the Khettarama End.
The Indian team is on the ground in a huddle. Indian need to take quick wickets. In the mean time the Lankan explosive Jayasuriya and Sangakkara walk out to the middle.
India may have managed to level the series at Dambulla, but the Sri Lankans made them wriggle for every run in the process. Both sides managed to achieve a paltry total of 140-odd runs in each game, so it will be fair to say that the pitch at the Dambulla stadium was a clear win-toss bowl-first pitch. But the manner in which Sri Lanka won and the manner in which India leveled the series in the second game shows that the Sri Lankans are in much better form than the hosts. The islanders will only look to increase their stronghold on the series on more batsmen-friendly wickets here at Colombo where the rest of the ODI's will be played.
India have batting woes to sort out and they don't have much time to do so. Sehwag's absence will prove to be a big blow for India and it will be interesting to see how the side copes up in his absence. Gambhir will be back for the third ODI so the big question is who will be dropped and who will open? Both Kohli and Badrinath got starts in the second game and might have just done enough to retain their place in the playing eleven.
The Sri Lankan top order has not fired yet but if either of Jayasuriya or Sangakkara get going at Colombo' then the Indian batting-strength will really be tested. Someone from the Indian top order will have to stand up and make amends without relying on their captain and vice-captain to rescue them from a plight time and again. Sri Lanka start off as favourites but the Indians have proved time and again that they perform best when their backs are against the wall. The Mendis-mystery has yet to be fully deciphered and his partner in deception at the other end, Muralidaran, should not be taken lightly either. The battle to see who takes the 2-1 psychological edge in the series rages on.
First Innings
Batting : India
Bowling :
Sri Lanka
India did well to reach 237 after the sudden collapse but Dhoni (76), Raina (53) and Sharma (32) played well to push the total past 200. Mendis was off-color in the begining but later struck hard with 2 wickets in his final over. He was on a hat-trick. Mendis finished with 3 wickets while Thushara and Kulasekara took 2 wickets apiece. Join us after the innings break for the commentary of the Lankan run chase.
49.6 T Thushara to Z Khan, OUT - Khan has top edged that one. It's high in the air and taken by Muralidaran. India have lost their ninth wicket. Sri Lanka need 238 runs to win. 237/9
49.5 T Thushara to P Kumar, Kumar fails to put bat on ball. Umpire Wijewardene signals byes. The batsmen have run through for a single. 237/8
49.4 T Thushara to P Kumar, Ball hits Kumar low on the pads. Leg byes given by Umpire Wijewardene. Two runs conceded. 236/8
49.3 T Thushara to Z Khan, Khan has top edged that one. The batsmen have run through for a single. 234/8
49.2 T Thushara to Z Khan, Khan fails to put bat on ball. That should have been put away. 233/8
49.2 T Thushara to P Kumar, The ball is way wide on the leg side but Kumar still goes after it Umpire Wijewardene has signalled a wide. The batsmen have run through for a single. 233/8
49.1 T Thushara to P Kumar, Kumar has played it through mid-wicket. Two runs added to the total. 231/8
48.6 A Mendis to Z Khan, Defended off the front foot by Khan. 229/8
48.5 A Mendis to Z Khan, Khan has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 229/8
48.4 A Mendis to Z Khan, Khan has attempted to play that one - but missed. Sangakkara knocks the bails but Khan is safe. The Third Umpire has been called for by Umpire Doctrove. NOT OUT signalled by the Third Umpire. Khan survives. 229/8
Mendis on a hat-trick. Zaheer to face the hat-trick ball.
48.3 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, OUT - Dhoni charges down the wicket That is easy pickings for J'dena India have lost their eighth wicket. 229/8
Praveen Kumar is the new man in
48.2 A Mendis to H Singh, OUT - Singh tries to sweep
48.1 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has punched the ball off the backfoot. The batsmen have run through for a single. 229/6
47.6 T Thushara to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has played that with the full face of the bat for a single. 228/6
47.5 T Thushara to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has driven it through the off side for a couple. 227/6
47.4 T Thushara to H Singh, Singh has edged the ball. One run conceded. 225/6
47.3 T Thushara to H Singh, Singh has dug out that yorker at the last second. 224/6
47.2 T Thushara to MS Dhoni, Dhoni fails to put bat on ball. Byes has been called by Umpire Wijewardene. The batsmen have run through for a single. 224/6
47.1 T Thushara to MS Dhoni, Driven through the leg side by Dhoni. The ball races to the boundary. Umpire Wijewardene signals a boundary. 223/6
46.6 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has pushed it to the cover region for a single to end the over. 219/6
46.5 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has attempted to put bat on ball - but fails. 218/6
46.4 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Dhoni guides it to third man. The ball races to the boundary. Umpire Doctrove signals four runs. 218/6
46.3 A Mendis to H Singh, The ball has found the edge of the bat. The batsmen have run through for a single. 214/6
46.2 A Mendis to H Singh, Singh has played that with the full face of the bat. 213/6
46.1 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has played that off the front foot and into the ground. The batsmen have run through for a single. 213/6
45.6 T Thushara to H Singh, Played through mid-wicket by Singh. 212/6
Harbhajan is the new man in
45.5 T Thushara to R Sharma, OUT - Sharma has top edged that one. It's high in the air and taken by Kapugedera. India have lost their sixth wicket. 212/6
45.4 T Thushara to R Sharma, Sharma guides it to third man. The ball races to the boundary. Umpire Wijewardene signals a boundary. 212/5
45.3 T Thushara to MS Dhoni, Driven through the off side by Dhoni. One run added to the total. 208/5
45.2 T Thushara to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has played it through mid-wicket. J'dena goes for a direct hit but misses the stumps. 207/5
45.1 T Thushara to R Sharma, Driven through the off side by Sharma. The batsmen have run through for a single. 207/5
Thushara is back in the attack
44.6 A Mendis to R Sharma, Driven through the leg side by Sharma. The batsmen have run through for a single. 206/5
44.5 A Mendis to R Sharma, Pushed to the cover region by Sharma. 205/5
44.4 A Mendis to R Sharma, Sharma has taken the risk and lofted it over the in field. The ball has crossed the ropes. Four runs has been signalled by Umpire Doctrove. 205/5
44.3 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Pushed to the cover region by Dhoni. The batsmen have run through for a single. 201/5
44.2 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Punched off the backfoot by Dhoni for a couple. 200/5
44.1 A Mendis to R Sharma, Sharma drives through the leg side. One run added to the total. 198/5
43.6 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Dhoni plays the Square-Cut. The ball has crossed the ropes. Four runs has been signalled by Umpire Wijewardene. 197/5
43.5 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has lofted it over Muralidaran. The ball races to the boundary. Umpire Wijewardene signals four runs. 193/5
43.4 M Muralidaran to R Sharma, Driven through the off side by Sharma. The batsmen have run through for a single. 189/5
23rd ODI fifty for Dhoni
43.3 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Driven through the leg side by Dhoni. The batsmen have run through for a single. 188/5
43.2 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, The ball strikes Dhoni very low on the pads 187/5
43.1 M Muralidaran to R Sharma, Driven through the off side by Sharma. The batsmen have run through for a single. 187/5
42.6 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has punched the ball off the backfoot. The batsmen have run through for a single. 186/5
42.5 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Once again punched off the backfoot by Dhoni. 184/5
42.4 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Punched off the backfoot by Dhoni. 184/5
42.3 A Mendis to R Sharma, Driven through the off side by Sharma. The batsmen have run through for a single. 184/5
42.2 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Driven through the off side by Dhoni. One run added to the total. 183/5
42.1 A Mendis to R Sharma, Sharma has driven it through the off side. One run conceded. 182/5
Mendis back in the attack replacing Jayasuriya
41.6 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has played that with the full face of the bat. 181/5
41.5 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Dhoni rocks onto the backfoot and punches the ball. 181/5
41.4 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has played that with the full face of the bat. 181/5
41.3 M Muralidaran to R Sharma, Driven through the off side by Sharma. One run added to the total. 181/5
41.2 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Driven through the leg side by Dhoni for a single. 180/5
41.1 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Driven through the off side by Dhoni. The ball races to the boundary. Four runs has been signalled by Umpire Wijewardene. 179/5
40.6 S Jayasuriya to R Sharma, Sharma has taken the risk and lofted it over covers. The ball races to the boundary. Umpire Doctrove signals a boundary. 175/5
40.5 S Jayasuriya to R Sharma, Sharma has driven it straight down the ground. 171/5
40.4 S Jayasuriya to MS Dhoni, Dhoni rocks onto the backfoot and punches the ball. One run added to the total. 171/5
40.3 S Jayasuriya to R Sharma, Sharma has pushed it to the cover region. One run conceded. 170/5
40.2 S Jayasuriya to MS Dhoni, Dhoni works it down the leg side. One run conceded. 169/5
40.1 S Jayasuriya to R Sharma, Sharma has pushed it to the cover region. One run added to the total. 168/5
39.6 M Muralidaran to R Sharma, Sharma drives through the leg side. One run conceded. 167/5
39.5 M Muralidaran to R Sharma, Defended off the back foot by Sharma. 166/5
39.4 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has played it to the point region. One run conceded. 166/5
39.3 M Muralidaran to R Sharma, Sharma works it down the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single. 165/5
39.2 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Played to the point region by Dhoni. The batsmen have run through for a single. 164/5
39.1 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has played that with the full face of the bat. 163/5
38.6 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has pushed it to the cover region. One run added to the total. 163/5
38.5 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 162/5
38.4 A Mendis to R Sharma, Sharma has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total. 162/5
38.3 A Mendis to R Sharma, Driven through the off side by Sharma only to find the fielder. 161/5
38.2 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has pushed it to the cover region for a single. 161/5
38.1 A Mendis to R Sharma, Driven through the off side by Sharma. The batsmen have run through for a single. 160/5
Mendis back on
37.6 M Muralidaran to R Sharma, Sharma plays a sweep shot for a single. 159/5
37.5 M Muralidaran to R Sharma, Sharma guides it to third man. Two runs conceded. 158/5
37.4 M Muralidaran to R Sharma, Defended off the front foot by Sharma. 156/5
37.3 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Played through mid-wicket by Dhoni. One run added to the total. 156/5
37.2 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Dhoni flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs. 155/5
37.1 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has played that with the full face of the bat. 153/5
36.6 S Jayasuriya to R Sharma, Sharma has played that with the full face of the bat. 153/5
36.5 S Jayasuriya to R Sharma, Sharma has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 153/5
36.4 S Jayasuriya to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has pushed it to the cover region. One run conceded. 153/5
36.3 S Jayasuriya to MS Dhoni, Driven through the off side by Dhoni. 152/5
36.2 S Jayasuriya to R Sharma, Punched off the backfoot by Sharma. The batsmen have run through for a single. 152/5
36.1 S Jayasuriya to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has driven it through the off side. One run conceded. 151/5
35.6 M Muralidaran to R Sharma, Sharma drives the ball straight down the ground. 150/5
35.5 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Dhoni works it down the leg side. One run conceded. 150/5
35.4 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Pushed to the cover region by Dhoni for a couple. 149/5
35.3 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 147/5
35.2 M Muralidaran to R Sharma, Driven through the off side by Sharma. One run added to the total. 147/5
35.1 M Muralidaran to R Sharma, Sharma has played that with the full face of the bat. 146/5
34.6 S Jayasuriya to R Sharma, Driven through the off side by Sharma. One run added to the total. 146/5
Rohit Sharma is the new man in
34.5 S Jayasuriya to MS Dhoni, OUT - Dhoni has played that off the front foot and into the ground. Nice work by Dilshan to run Raina out. India have lost their fifth wicket. 145/5
34.4 S Jayasuriya to S Raina, Raina has flicked the ball off his pads. One run conceded. 145/4
34.3 S Jayasuriya to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has punched the ball off the backfoot. The batsmen have run through for a single. 144/4
34.2 S Jayasuriya to MS Dhoni, Dhoni fails to put bat on ball. 143/4
34.1 S Jayasuriya to S Raina, Raina plays a sweep shot. The batsmen have run through for a single. 143/4
33.6 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has driven it straight down the ground. 142/4
33.5 M Muralidaran to S Raina, Driven through the leg side by Raina. The batsmen have run through for a single. 142/4
33.4 M Muralidaran to S Raina, Defended off the front foot by Raina. 141/4
33.3 M Muralidaran to S Raina, Raina has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 141/4
33.2 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total. 141/4
6th ODI fifty for Raina
33.1 M Muralidaran to S Raina, Raina drives through the leg side. One run conceded. 140/4
32.6 S Jayasuriya to MS Dhoni, Dhoni gets a bottom edge on that one. 139/4
32.5 S Jayasuriya to S Raina, Pushed through the mid-wicket region for a single. 139/4
32.4 S Jayasuriya to S Raina, Raina has played it to the point region but not for runs. 138/4
32.3 S Jayasuriya to MS Dhoni, Dhoni plays a sweep shot. One run added to the total. 138/4
32.2 S Jayasuriya to MS Dhoni, Dhoni rocks onto the backfoot and punches the ball. Two runs conceded. 137/4
32.1 S Jayasuriya to S Raina, Driven through the leg side by Raina. One run added to the total. 135/4
31.6 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has attempted to put bat on ball - but fails. 134/4
31.5 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has played it through mid-wicket. 134/4
31.4 M Muralidaran to S Raina, Pushed to the cover region by Raina. One run added to the total. 134/4
31.3 M Muralidaran to S Raina, Raina comes down the track and connects. The ball races to the boundary. Umpire Wijewardene signals a boundary. 133/4
31.2 M Muralidaran to S Raina, Raina swings and misses. 129/4
31.1 M Muralidaran to S Raina, Pushed to the cover region by Raina. 129/4
30.6 S Jayasuriya to S Raina, Raina works it down the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single. 129/4
30.5 S Jayasuriya to S Raina, Played through mid-wicket by Raina but straight to the fielder. 128/4
30.4 S Jayasuriya to S Raina, Played through mid-wicket by Raina. 128/4
30.3 S Jayasuriya to MS Dhoni, Played to the point region by Dhoni. One run conceded. 128/4
30.2 S Jayasuriya to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has pushed it to the cover region. 127/4
30.1 S Jayasuriya to MS Dhoni, Dhoni guides it down to third man for a couple. That is risk free cricket from both the batsmen. Just pushing the ball in the gaps and take singles have been the mantra so far. 127/4
29.6 M Muralidaran to S Raina, Played to the point region by Raina. That marks the end of the 30th over. 125/4
29.5 M Muralidaran to S Raina, Raina dances down the track and does well to block the ball. 125/4
29.4 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Driven through the leg side by Dhoni. One run added to the total. 125/4
29.3 M Muralidaran to S Raina, Raina works it down the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single. 124/4
29.2 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Driven through the leg side by Dhoni. One run added to the total. 123/4
29.1 M Muralidaran to S Raina, Pushed to the cover region by Raina. The batsmen have run through for a single. 122/4
28.6 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has driven it straight down the ground. 121/4
28.5 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Dhoni rocks onto the backfoot and punches the ball. The ball has crossed the ropes. Umpire Doctrove signals four runs. 121/4
28.4 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Defended off the front foot by Dhoni. 117/4
28.3 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Punched off the backfoot by Dhoni. The ball has crossed the ropes. Umpire Doctrove signals four runs. 117/4
28.2 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Played through mid-wicket by Dhoni. 113/4
28.2 A Mendis to S Raina, Driven through the off side by Raina. Umpire Doctrove has signalled a no ball for foot-fault. The next delivery will be a free hit. The batsmen have run through for a single. 113/4
28.1 A Mendis to S Raina, Driven through the leg side by Raina. 111/4
27.6 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Driven through the off side by Dhoni for a couple. 111/4
27.5 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Played through mid-wicket by Dhoni. 109/4
27.4 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has attempted to put bat on ball - but fails. 109/4
27.3 M Muralidaran to S Raina, Raina has pushed it to the cover region. One run added to the total. 109/4
27.2 M Muralidaran to MS Dhoni, Dhoni smartly flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total. 108/4
27.1 M Muralidaran to S Raina, Raina has played it to the point region. One run conceded. 107/4
Double trouble for India as Murali is introduced in the attack
26.6 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has played that with the full face of the bat. 106/4
26.5 A Mendis to S Raina, Pushed to the cover region by Raina. The batsmen have run through for a single. 106/4
26.4 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Driven through the leg side by Dhoni for a quick single. 105/4
26.3 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 104/4
26.2 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Punched off the backfoot by Dhoni. The ball has crossed the ropes. Four runs has been signalled by Umpire Doctrove. 104/4
100 comes up for India
26.1 A Mendis to S Raina, Pushed to the cover region by Raina. The batsmen have run through for a single. 100/4
25.6 T Thushara to MS Dhoni, Dhoni rocks onto the backfoot and punches the ball. 99/4
25.5 T Thushara to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has played it to the point region. 99/4
25.4 T Thushara to MS Dhoni, Dhoni shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the backfoot. 99/4
25.3 T Thushara to MS Dhoni, Defended off the front foot by Dhoni. 99/4
25.2 T Thushara to S Raina, Raina plays the Square-Cut. The batsmen have run through for a single. 99/4
25.2 T Thushara to S Raina, The ball is way wide on the leg side but Raina still goes after it Umpire Wijewardene signals a wide. 98/4
25.1 T Thushara to S Raina, Played to the point region by Raina. 97/4
24.6 A Mendis to S Raina, Defended off the front foot by Raina. One run conceded. 97/4
24.5 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has driven it through the off side. One run added to the total. 96/4
24.4 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Dhoni has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 95/4
24.3 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, Punched off the backfoot by Dhoni. 95/4
24.2 A Mendis to S Raina, Driven through the off side by Raina. The batsmen have run through for a single. 95/4
24.1 A Mendis to S Raina, Raina has played that with the full face of the bat. 94/4
23.6 T Thushara to S Raina, Played to the point region by Raina for a single to end the over. 94/4
23.5 T Thushara to S Raina, Raina has pushed it to the cover region for a couple. 93/4
23.4 T Thushara to S Raina, Crisply defended off the back foot by Raina. 91/4
23.3 T Thushara to S Raina, Raina has played it to the point region. 91/4
23.2 T Thushara to S Raina, Raina defends it off the back foot. 91/4
23.1 T Thushara to S Raina, Raina fails to put bat on ball. 91/4
22.6 A Mendis to MS Dhoni, That's hit Dhoni on his pads. 91/4
Dhoni is the new man in after the dismissal of Badrinath.
22.5 A Mendis to S Badrinath, OUT - Driven through the off side by Badrinath. That is easy pickings for Vaas. That was what the doctor ordered for Sri Lanka. 91/4
22.4 A Mendis to S Raina, Driven through the leg side by Raina. The batsmen have run through for a single. 91/3
22.3 A Mendis to S Raina, Once again defended off the front foot by Raina. 90/3
22.2 A Mendis to S Raina, Defended off the front foot by Raina. 90/3
22.1 A Mendis to S Raina, Played through mid-wicket by Raina. 90/3
21.6 T Thushara to S Raina, Raina has played it through mid-wicket. The batsmen have run through for a single. 90/3
21.5 T Thushara to S Badrinath, Played to the point region by Badrinath for a single. 89/3
21.4 T Thushara to S Badrinath, Badrinath has played it to the point region. 88/3
21.3 T Thushara to S Raina, Played through mid-wicket by Raina. One run added to the total. 88/3
21.2 T Thushara to S Badrinath, Badrinath guides it to third man. The batsmen have run through for a single. 87/3
21.1 T Thushara to S Raina, Pushed to the cover region by Raina. The batsmen have run through for a single. 86/3
20.6 A Mendis to S Badrinath, Badrinath has played that with the full face of the bat. 85/3
20.5 A Mendis to S Raina, Raina has played it through mid-wicket. One run conceded. 85/3
20.5 A Mendis to S Raina, Raina tries flicking a ball that is wide on the leg stumps. Umpire Doctrove signals a wide. 84/3
20.4 A Mendis to S Raina, Raina plays the slog sweep. Up
20.3 A Mendis to S Raina, Raina has played that with the full face of the bat. 77/3
20.2 A Mendis to S Badrinath, Badrinath has pushed it to the cover region for a safe single. 77/3
20.1 A Mendis to S Badrinath, Badrinath has played that with the full face of the bat but not for runs. 76/3
Vaas makes way for the magician Mendis in the attack.
End of the third Power Play. India 76-3.
19.6 T Thushara to S Raina, Raina shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the backfoot. 76/3
19.6 T Thushara to S Raina, Wide outside the leg stump
19.6 T Thushara to S Raina, Wide outside the leg stump
19.5 T Thushara to S Raina, Raina ducks under the bouncer. 74/3
19.4 T Thushara to S Raina, Played to the point region by Raina. 74/3
19.3 T Thushara to S Raina, Defended off the front foot by Raina. 74/3
19.2 T Thushara to S Badrinath, Badrinath guides it to third man. One run added to the total. 74/3
19.1 T Thushara to S Badrinath, Driven through the off side by Badrinath. 73/3
18.6 C Vaas to S Raina, Raina works it down the leg side. Two runs added to the total. 73/3
18.5 C Vaas to S Raina, Raina has attempted to play that one - but missed. 71/3
18.4 C Vaas to S Raina, Raina has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 71/3
18.3 C Vaas to S Raina, Raina defends it off the back foot. 71/3
18.2 C Vaas to S Raina, Raina has played it through mid-wicket. 71/3
18.1 C Vaas to S Raina, Raina has punched that ball through the offside. The ball races to the boundary. Umpire Doctrove signals a boundary. 71/3
17.6 T Thushara to S Badrinath, Badrinath has played the square drive. Two runs added to the total. 67/3
17.6 T Thushara to S Badrinath, Wide outside off stump
17.5 T Thushara to S Badrinath, Played to the point region by Badrinath. Spirited effort by Dilshan to save runs for his team. 64/3
17.4 T Thushara to S Badrinath, Played to the point region by Badrinath. 64/3
17.3 T Thushara to S Raina, Raina plays the Square-Cut. One run added to the total. 64/3
17.2 T Thushara to S Raina, Raina ducked in time to let that one go over him. 63/3
17.1 T Thushara to S Raina, Defended off the front foot by Raina. 63/3
16.6 C Vaas to S Badrinath, Played to the point region by Badrinath. 63/3
16.5 C Vaas to S Raina, Played through mid-wicket by Raina. One run added to the total. 63/3
16.4 C Vaas to S Raina, Raina has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 62/3
16.3 C Vaas to S Raina, The ball strikes Raina very low on the pads The fielding side are asking the question. Umpire Doctrove isn't interested in the appeal. 62/3
16.2 C Vaas to S Raina, Raina shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the backfoot. 62/3
16.1 C Vaas to S Raina, Played through mid-wicket by Raina. 62/3
15.6 T Thushara to S Badrinath, Badrinath lets the ball go outside his off stump. 62/3
15.5 T Thushara to S Badrinath, Badrinath has played that with the full face of the bat. 62/3
15.4 T Thushara to S Badrinath, Badrinath has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 62/3
15.3 T Thushara to S Badrinath, Played to the point region by Badrinath. 62/3
15.2 T Thushara to S Badrinath, Defended off the front foot by Badrinath. 62/3
15.1 T Thushara to S Badrinath, Badrinath has driven it through the off side. 62/3
Second Power Play taken. Thilan Thushara is introduced in the attack.
14.6 C Vaas to S Raina, Raina has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 62/3
14.5 C Vaas to S Raina, Raina fails to put bat on ball. 62/3
14.4 C Vaas to S Raina, Raina has punched the ball off the backfoot. 62/3
14.3 C Vaas to S Raina, Raina has played that with the full face of the bat. 62/3
14.2 C Vaas to S Raina, Defended off the front foot by Raina. 62/3
14.1 C Vaas to S Raina, Inside edge onto the pads of Raina. 62/3
Badrinath is the new batsmen.
13.6 N Kulasekara to Y Singh, OUT! - The ball has found the edge of the bat. Caught in the slips by J'dena. Yuvraj's poor run continues! Pitched outside off and Yuvraj was stuck at the crease fishing outside to hand a catch. Jayawardena went down on his knees to take a clean catch. India have lost their third wicket. 62/3
13.5 N Kulasekara to S Raina, Driven through the off side by Raina. The batsmen have run through for a single. 62/2
13.4 N Kulasekara to S Raina, Top edge! The ball is in the air. It could have been out but the was very fine of the fine leg fielder. Shorter one from Kulasekara and was around Raina's head height. The ball has crossed the ropes. Umpire Wijewardene signals four runs. 61/2
13.3 N Kulasekara to S Raina, Raina has played that with the full face of the bat. 57/2
13.3 N Kulasekara to S Raina, The ball is way wide on the leg side but Raina still goes after it Umpire Wijewardene signals a wide. 57/2
13.2 N Kulasekara to S Raina, Raina plays the pull-shot. The ball races to the boundary. Umpire Wijewardene signals a boundary. 56/2
13.1 N Kulasekara to S Raina, Raina has driven it through the off side. 52/2
Vaas bowls a maiden.
12.6 C Vaas to Y Singh, Defended off the front foot by Singh. Brilliant over by Vaas. It's a maiden! 52/2
12.5 C Vaas to Y Singh, Defended off the front foot by Singh. It bounced from short of a length and Yuvraj was quick to respond. 52/2
12.4 C Vaas to Y Singh, Singh has played that with the full face of the bat. Excellent over so far by Chamind Vaas. 52/2
12.3 C Vaas to Y Singh, Defended off the front foot by Singh. 52/2
12.2 C Vaas to Y Singh, Singh has played that with the full face of the bat. 52/2
12.1 C Vaas to Y Singh, Defended off the front foot by Singh. 52/2
11.6 N Kulasekara to S Raina, Defended off the front foot by Raina. 52/2
11.5 N Kulasekara to S Raina, Raina has punched the ball off the backfoot. 52/2
11.4 N Kulasekara to Y Singh, Defended off the front foot by Singh. One run conceded. 52/2
11.3 N Kulasekara to Y Singh, Singh plays the pull-shot
11.2 N Kulasekara to Y Singh, Singh has played that with the full face of the bat. 45/2
11.1 N Kulasekara to Y Singh, Singh has attempted to put bat on ball - but fails. 45/2
10.6 C Vaas to Y Singh, Singh drives through the leg side for a single to retain strike for the next over. 45/2
10.5 C Vaas to Y Singh, Singh has played that with the full face of the bat but again will not get a run. 44/2
10.4 C Vaas to Y Singh, Singh has played that with the full face of the bat. 44/2
10.3 C Vaas to Y Singh, Singh works it down the leg side for another set of runs. The batsmen take two. 44/2
10.2 C Vaas to Y Singh, The ball strikes Singh very low on the pads The fielding side are asking the question. Umpire Doctrove isn't interested in the appeal. An excellent delivery by Vaas nonetheless. 42/2
10.1 C Vaas to Y Singh, Singh plays the pull-shot and will gather two for that. 42/2
Suresh Raina comes in at two down this time to join Yuvraj at the crease.
9.6 N Kulasekara to S Raina, Raina has played that with the full face of the bat. India now look in a spot of bother. They started off well but in predictable fashion lost two quick wickets giving the Sri Lankans some momentum. 40/2
9.5 N Kulasekara to S Raina, Raina has played that with the full face of the bat. 40/2
9.4 N Kulasekara to G Gambhir, OUT - Ball hits Gambhir low on the pads. The fielding side is asking the question in unison. Umpire Wijewardene declares Gambhir OUT. India have lost their second wicket again soon on the heels of the first one. 40/2
9.3 N Kulasekara to G Gambhir, Gambhir plays the Square-Cut but again fails to score. 40/1
9.2 N Kulasekara to G Gambhir, Gambhir has pushed it to the cover region but again will gather no run. 40/1
9.1 N Kulasekara to G Gambhir, Played to the point region by Gambhir who will not get a run for that. 40/1
8.6 C Vaas to G Gambhir, Gambhir has played it through mid-wicket for a single to retain strike for the new over. 40/1
Yuvraj Singh comes in at the fall of the first wicket. He's been promoted up the order in place of Suresh Raina.
8.5 C Vaas to V Kohli, OUT - Driven to mid on by Kohli. He wants a single and immediately sets off towards the danger-end. A direct hit by Silva has the Sri Lankans jubilant but Kohli looks confident. The Umpire calls for the third Umpire to come into play. The replay shows that Kohli still had a few feet to cover. India lose their first wicket and Kohli's run ends just when he was looking good. 39/1
8.4 C Vaas to V Kohli, Defended off the front foot by Kohli who seems to be playing a little too cautiously at the moment. 39/0
8.3 C Vaas to V Kohli, Kohli has punched that ball through the offside btu will get no run for it. 39/0
8.2 C Vaas to V Kohli, Defended off the front foot by Kohli. 39/0
8.1 C Vaas to G Gambhir, Gambhir guides it to third man for a single. 39/0
7.6 N Kulasekara to V Kohli, Kohli has driven it through the off side but will end a neat over with a dot ball. Just one run from this tidy Kulasekara over. 38/0
7.6 N Kulasekara to V Kohli, Kohli would have needed a ladder to play at that. Wide signalled by Umpire Wijewardene. 38/0
7.5 N Kulasekara to V Kohli, Played through mid-wicket by Kohli straight to the fielder. 37/0
7.4 N Kulasekara to G Gambhir, Gambhir rocks onto the backfoot and punches the ball. He will get a run for that. 37/0
7.3 N Kulasekara to G Gambhir, Played to the point region by Gambhir again to the diving efforts of a fielder which will disallow the batsmen from taking a run. 36/0
7.2 N Kulasekara to G Gambhir, Gambhir has punched the ball off the backfoot but will not gather runs for it. 36/0
7.1 N Kulasekara to G Gambhir, Gambhir has attempted to put bat on ball but fails yet again. He is looking rusty today. 36/0
6.6 C Vaas to V Kohli, Kohli has played that with the full face of the bat and will give strike to Gambhir for the new over. Kohli has done most of the scoring for India so far. He moves on to 25 now. 36/0
6.5 C Vaas to V Kohli, Kohli plays the Square-Cut. Jayasuriya's tumbling fielding efforts go in vain as the ball rolls over him to cross the ropes. Four runs has been signalled by Umpire Doctrove. 36/0
6.4 C Vaas to V Kohli, Kohli has punched that ball through the offside but will not pick up a run. Good over till now. Four dot balls by Vaas. 32/0
6.3 C Vaas to V Kohli, Defended off the front foot by Kohli who's again looking cautious. 32/0
6.2 C Vaas to V Kohli, Kohli has played that with the full face of the bat making sure not to do anything silly as he looks in fine touch. 32/0
6.1 C Vaas to V Kohli, Kohli has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 32/0
5.6 N Kulasekara to G Gambhir, Gambhir has driven it straight down the ground. Kohli has faced most of the strike so Gambhir still seems to be finding his feet. 32/0
5.5 N Kulasekara to V Kohli, Driven through the covers by Kohli who manages to disect the fielders this time. Good running will mean three runs for the picking for India. 32/0
5.4 N Kulasekara to V Kohli, Kohli has driven it straight down the ground but the ball finds a fielder. 29/0
5.3 N Kulasekara to V Kohli, Kohli has got a fine edge on that ball. It will race off to the boundary for a FOUR. The Umpire signals the inevitable. 29/0
5.2 N Kulasekara to V Kohli, Kohli rocks onto the backfoot and punches the ball. Good shot by a fielder in that position will make sure no runs are conceded. 25/0
5.1 N Kulasekara to V Kohli, Kohli ducked in time to let that one go over him. Good short ball by Kulasekara. 25/0
4.6 C Vaas to G Gambhir, Defended off the front foot by Gambhir as a Vaas over ends. 25/0
4.5 C Vaas to V Kohli, Kohli guides it to third man for a single. 25/0
4.4 C Vaas to V Kohli, It's a clean strike over mid wicket by Kohli for a FOUR. Just what the doctor ordered. The Indians have to make use of the powerplay overs when the ball is hard and coming on to the bat. 24/0
4.3 C Vaas to V Kohli, Kohli has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 20/0
4.2 C Vaas to V Kohli, Played through mid-wicket by Kohli. The run rate has dropped down for India. It was over six at one point. Its come down to four and a half now. 20/0
4.1 C Vaas to V Kohli, Kohli has played that with the full face of the bat and will get no runs for that effort. 20/0
3.6 N Kulasekara to V Kohli, Kohli has played it through mid-wicket. Kapugedera goes for a direct hit but misses the stumps as India survive another life. The batsmen cross over for a single as Kohli will retain strike for the next over. 20/0
3.5 N Kulasekara to V Kohli, Played through mid-wicket by Kohli but staright to the fielder. 19/0
3.4 N Kulasekara to V Kohli, Kohli has punched that ball through the offside. 19/0
3.3 N Kulasekara to V Kohli, The ball is too wide on the off side for Kohli to make any contact. But the Umpire doesn't seem to think thats a wide. 19/0
3.2 N Kulasekara to G Gambhir, Gambhir has slammed it through point but a fielder will just allow a single to be taken. 19/0
3.1 N Kulasekara to G Gambhir, Gambhir has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 18/0
2.6 C Vaas to V Kohli, Defended off the front foot by Kohli. India don't need to do anything silly here as they are going at a good run rate. 18/0
2.5 C Vaas to V Kohli, Defended off the front foot by Kohli. 18/0
2.4 C Vaas to V Kohli, Kohli has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 18/0
2.4 C Vaas to V Kohli, Kohli tries flicking a ball that is wide on the leg stumps. Umpire Doctrove has signalled a wide. Vaas is clearly having problems adjusting his line and length to the left-hand-right-hand opening combination of India. 18/0
2.3 C Vaas to G Gambhir, Gambhir has played it to the point region for a single. 17/0
2.2 C Vaas to G Gambhir, Gambhir has attempted to put bat on ball - but fails. 16/0
2.1 C Vaas to V Kohli, Kohli has driven it through the off side. That's an excellent chase by Jayasuriya but noone is backing him up as the Sri Lankan veteran scoops the ball hoping there is someone behind him to return the ball to the keeper. The Indians make merry and pick up three runs for that. 16/0
1.6 N Kulasekara to V Kohli, Kohli works it down the leg side for a single to retain strike for the next over. 13/0
1.5 N Kulasekara to V Kohli, Punched off the backfoot by Kohli. But he won't get any run for that effort. 12/0
1.4 N Kulasekara to G Gambhir, Gambhir flicks it away with a wristy shot for a single. 12/0
1.3 N Kulasekara to G Gambhir, Gambhir guides it to third man and will pick up two runs for that. 11/0
1.2 N Kulasekara to G Gambhir, Gambhir fails to put bat on ball. Bad shot by Gambhir first-up after he was just given a lease at life. 9/0
1.1 N Kulasekara to G Gambhir, Played to the point region by Gambhir. Gambhir does not look at his partner at the other end and runs for a single. He's sent back by Kohli. Dilshan goes for a direct hit but misses the stumps. Had he hit
0.6 C Vaas to V Kohli, Kohli has been struck on the thigh-pad. 9/0
0.5 C Vaas to V Kohli, Kohli has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 9/0
0.4 C Vaas to V Kohli, Kohli works it down the leg side for a FOUR. Beautiful shot by Kohli. That shot will give him loads of confidence as its always great to open your account with a boundary. 9/0
0.4 C Vaas to V Kohli, The ball is way wide on the leg side but Kohli still goes after it and misses. Umpire Doctrove has signalled a wide. 5/0
0.3 C Vaas to V Kohli, Played to the point region by Kohli. 4/0
0.2 C Vaas to V Kohli, Left alone by Kohli. 4/0
0.1 C Vaas to V Kohli, The ball hits Kohli's thigh-pad and races down the fine leg boundary for a FOUR. India won't mind the great start even though the runs cannot be credited to the batsman. 4/0
Both teams come into the third ODI with just one change in their sides.
For India, Gautam Gambhir comes in for Irfan Pathan and for the hosts Sri Lanka, Chaminda Vaas comes in for Dilhara Fernando.
India's MS Dhoni continues his lucky run with the new coin. He wins the toss (for the third time in a row) and having a side stacked with batsmen he said "We'll bat first," without blinking an eye-lid. Excellent chance here for the Indian batting line-up to get back into form.
Hello and welcome to our coverage of the third ODI between Sri Lanka and India. This is the first of the final three ODIs that will be palyed at the R.Premadasa Stadium at Colombo and records show that the teams batting first here have won 33 games.
That is understandable as the pitch at this venue is much slower than the one at Dambulla where the opening two ODIs were played. So whichever of the captains win the toss will have no doubt in batting first.
India may have managed to level the series at Dambulla, but the Sri Lankans made them wriggle for every run in the process. Both sides managed to achieve a paltry total of 140-odd runs in each game, so it will be fair to say that the pitch at the Dambulla stadium was a clear win-toss bowl-first pitch. But the manner in which Sri Lanka won and the manner in which India leveled the series in the second game shows that the Sri Lankans are in much better form than the hosts. The islanders will only look to increase their stronghold on the series on more batsmen-friendly wickets here at Colombo where the rest of the ODI's will be played.
India have batting woes to sort out and they don't have much time to do so. Sehwag's absence will prove to be a big blow for India and it will be interesting to see how the side copes up in his absence. Gambhir will be back for the third ODI so the big question is who will be dropped and who will open? Both Kohli and Badrinath got starts in the second game and might have just done enough to retain their place in the playing eleven.
The Sri Lankan top order has not fired yet but if either of Jayasuriya or Sangakkara get going at Colombo' then the Indian batting-strength will really be tested. Someone from the Indian top order will have to stand up and make amends without relying on their captain and vice-captain to rescue them from a plight time and again. Sri Lanka start off as favourites but the Indians have proved time and again that they perform best when their backs are against the wall. The Mendis-mystery has yet to be fully deciphered and his partner in deception at the other end, Muralidaran, should not be taken lightly either. The battle to see who takes the 2-1 psychological edge in the series rages on.