When Sunil Gavaskar read the pitch in the morning, Sangakkara took the cue and opted for batting upon winning the toss. But Gambhir (150) and Virat Kohli (107) showed grit not only to overcome the fiery bowling of rookies pace bowlers Suranga Lakmal and Perera assault that claimed both the openers Sehwag and Tendulkar but also clinched the 5-match series.
For the first time in four matches an even contest between bat and ball was on display. And even though the willow had a slight edge, especially in the second session because dew made it difficult for bowlers to grip the ball, the medium-pacers had their share of dominance early in both innings. After Sangakkara won the toss and decided to set a target, home side bowlers Nehra and Zaheer Khan started off beautifully, restraining the destructive opening duo of Dilshan and Tharanga. In fact, Nehra started off with a maiden over — India’s first in the ongoing five-match series.
The Lankans had a rather sluggish start with just nine coming from the first five overs but soon Tharanga began to open up after he was given a life. He was at his explosive best when he smashed five boundaries in the first over of Ishant Sharma, who came in as one-change after Nehra had given the breakthrough by taking the prized scalp of Dilshan.
Upul Tharanga after being dropped on 7 off his own bowling by Nehra, scored his seventh ODI ton to take Sri Lanka past the 300-run mark for the third time in the series and Lakmal gave the visitors the start they were looking for. After Tharanga and Sangakkara had laid the perfect platform for a late charge, debutant Thissara Perera hit a 14-ball 31 to make the most of the batting power play and help the visitors cross the 300-mark.
Handed the new ball for the first time, along with debutant Thissara Perera, 22-year-old Lakmal spat fire, beating openers Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar on more than one occasion and ultimately dismissing both. Incidentally, Tendulkar has now been dismissed most to the newcomers.
With two early and most important wickets, Sri Lanka saw a window of opportunity open but the 21-year-old Virat Kohli picked up the challenge in the absence of Dhoni. For someone who owes his place in the side to Yuvraj Singh’s finger injury, Kohli asserted himself with four successive boundaries off Lasith Malinga’s first over.
With his senior state teammate Gautam Gambhir at the other end, Kohli, shone bright amid a floodlight snag and an increasing haze that made it difficult for fielders to pick up the ball difficult from the stands.
Together, the Delhi duo made a chase of 316 look easy, making it the highest successful chase at the ground.
It was important for Gambhir to stay on as long as possible with Suresh Raina being the only other middle-order batsman with some experience, to follow. Gambhir, the newest member in the 3,000 club, not only ensured that ensured the asking rate was always within reach.
The two brought up a 200-run partnership in more than a run-a-ball to bat Sri Lanka out of the series. Gambhir and Kohli got to triple figures with singles off successive deliveries, and received a standing ovation from an enthralled crowd at Eden Gardens.
The teams now move to Delhi for the final ODI of the series on Sunday next.
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