A brilliant captain's innings by MS Dhoni was the bedrock of India's 10 wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Galle. On a slow pitch of low bounce, the home team made 290 in their 1st innings, courtesy of 103 from Aravinda De Silva. India's spin quartet bowled well, especially Jadeja with 5-55. Malinga yorked Tendulkar (2nd ball) and Kohli, & at close of play on day 2 India were 131-5, still 159 in arrears. But the match turned with a 7th wkt stand of 247 between Dhoni (202 off 390 balls, 27x4, 2x6) & Ashwin (86). This defiant partnership enabled Dhoni to declare at 426-8, just before lunch on day 4, and a lead of 136. The response of the Sri Lankan batsmen was disappointing, with Sangakkara & Jayawardena succumbing to Ashwin in the same over. 153 all out was never going to be enough & it was another heavy defeat for Sri Lanka. For India it was some compensation after their disappointing loss in Delhi.
India now head to Cuttack and face a huge task to try and counter the Australians fearsome bowling attack. Sri Lanka are off to Napier, hoping for a victory against winless New Zealand.
Sri Lanka 1st Innings 290-10 (128.5 Ov)
PA De Silva 103, WPUJC Vaas 44, ST Jayasuriya 41, RA Jadeja 5-55, A Kumble 2-32
India 1st Innings 426-8 (172 Ov)
MS Dhoni 202, R Ashwin 86, SM Gavaskar 44, SL Malinga 4-103, ALF De Mel 2-44
Sri Lanka 2nd Innings 153-10 (81.3 Ov)
ST Jayasuriya 34, A Ranatunga 30, JJ Bumrah 5-46, Kapil Dev 3-20, R Ashwin 2-29
India 2nd Innings 18-0 (9.2 Ov)
India won by 10 wickets
Man of the Match: MS Dhoni
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