Thrilling win for India in a high-scoring encounter
India were given a mighty scare by Sri Lanka when the islanders almost chased down a huge total of 415 and fell short by just three runs in the first ODI of the five-match series at Rajkot on December 15.
The bat totally dominated the ball throughout the match as the visiting batsmen toyed with the bowling just as the Indians did when sent in to bat by Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara. Tilakaratne Dilshan did a Virender Sehwag for Sri Lanka by scoring 160 off 124 deliveries, his fourth ODI century. Sangakkara though was the most explosive of the Sri Lankans, scoring 90 in only 43 balls. The two added 128 for the second wicket after the first wicket fell in the form of Upul Tharanga who did his bit in the run chase by making 67 off 60 balls in the opening partnership of 188 with Dilshan. Although both Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra were expensive, they bowled superbly in the death overs to prevent a Sri Lankan victory. Harbhajan Singh was the pick of the bowlers by claiming 2 for 58. India’s fielding woes continued as they dropped at least three catches.
Earlier, Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar gave India a great start by putting on 153 for the first wicket before the latter was dismissed for 69 off 63 balls. Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni then joined Sehwag and they added 156 for the second wicket. Sehwag was finally out for 146 in 102 deliveries to record his 12th ODI century. In the process, he joined the 5000-club as well. Dhoni contributed a fine 72. This was India’s highest ODI score surpassing the 413 versus Bermuda in 2007. All Sri Lanka bowlers were expensive with Nuwan Kulasekara, C Welegedera and Dilhara Fernando claiming two wickets apiece.
Sehwag was adjudged Man of the Match.
Brief scores: India 414 for 7 (Sehwag 146, Dhoni 72, Tendulkar 69; Welegedera 2/63, Kulasekara 2/65, Fernando 2/66); Sri Lanka 411 for 8 (Dilshan 160, Sangakkara 90, Tharanga 67; Harbhajan 2/58). India won by 3 runs.
