Cricket Lover: India vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI

Yesterday Mahela Jayawardene won the toss and elected to bat first. The Indians began with some great bowling and Sri Lanka lost 3 batsmen within the first 10 overs. Then came in Captain Mahela Jayawardene. He,along with inform batsman Kumar Sangakarra began to reform the innings. Unfortunately for him, Sangakarra was hit on his finger. However,he continued to play. Both of them made great half centuries. After making it to his 50, Jayawardene lost his wicket when he was given lbw. In came Angelo Mathews. Soon, Sangakarra also lost his wickets and to replace him came Jeevan Mendis. Zaheer Khan,who had bowled very well for the India,had almost completed his quota of overs by the 40th over. And again, India conceded a huge number of runs in the last 10 overs. And they found themselves looking at a target of 287 at the end of 50 overs. Sri Lanka,with their fighting spirit, had managed to pull it back brilliantly. The opening pair of Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag began the proceedings. However, the Indians had a bad start losing Sehwag in the 2nd over. Then came India's new hero,Virat Kohli. Gambhir,like in the previous match, was playing some brilliant shots,keeping the required rate within sight. The two of them made a 100+ partnership. But after a while,Kohli lost his wicket at 38. Now it was Dhoni's turn to take the Indians home. Dhoni did well and made a 31. He was then bowled by Malinga. In came Rohit Sharma,who hasn't done anything splendid in the series and the disappointment continued when he was given lbw to Malinga. Suresh Raina came in. Gautam Gambhir made 102 before being run out. Irfan Pathan came in. The situation was slipping away. But Raina and Pathan rose to the occassion and attacked the bowling. India came into the game with a fair chance. Finally they needed 12 off 12 balls which became 3 off 4 balls. Irfan Pathan tried to work it away for a 4 and end the game but missed. 3 off 3 balls. Pathan tried again and this time the ball connected. It raced away to the boundary. What a win..! Raina proved to be a great finisher for the team and he capitalized on the contribution made by Gambhir. India took lead in the series 2-1.