After 11 years,Team India finally won a series in Sri-Lanka.Last victory was in the year 1998 in a tri-series. It was a collective effort from the team with both bat and ball. After winning toss MS Dhoni elected to Bat first and the openers responded well by putting 100 run partnership for first wicket. Sachin blasted his 44th century by scoring 138 of 133 balls supported well by half centuries from Dhoni who promoted himself to no.3 and Yuvraj finding quick runs in the end. India went on to make 319/5 in 50 over to set a target of 320 for the hosts on somewhat predictable R Premadassa pitch cracking up in 2nd innings.
The hosts though couldn’t have asked for a better start than this one with Dilshan and Jayasuriya blasting early. It seemed to be a close contest with Indian fielding looking pedestrian and the Lankans converting 1’s into 2’s. Robin Singh - fielding coach, need to work really hard to make this team look like No.1 especially in fielding department.
Lankans were sailing through easily with 6 plus run rate until Bhajji shattered Dilshan’s off stump and making foundation for wickets to follow. By 125 on board Sri-Lanka lost 5 wickets. Captain Sangakkara and Kandamby showed some courage by holding innings and making score pass 200. Sangakkara though found himself unlucky to get out Hit-wicket on RP Singh’s delivery leaving Kandamby as sole warrior to fight. Kapugedera supported Kandamby well with his little knock before nicking one to wicket-keeper.
With 82 runs needed in 60 balls things look difficult and Bhajji made it even more difficult in his second spell by picking 2 wickets in 2 balls getting Kandamby clean bold followed by lollypop C&B from Malinga.
Sri-Lanka was bowled out on 273 giving team India 46 runs win in tri-series. Sachin was adjudged Man of the Match for his brilliant knock and also Man of the Series for scoring 211 runs in three matches. Bhajji got stylish player award for his 5-56.
With Champions trophy to start from 22nd September in South Africa this win will boost up moral of the team to enter contest on a winning note.
Shams & Wags wishes team India all the very best and promises to bring all updates from Champions trophy.
Jai Ho!!!!!!!!
Posted by Shams N Wags
