5 best bowling spells by Indian bowlers against Sri Lanka

#5 Anil Kumble 6/72, 2nd Test at Delhi, Dec 10-Dec 14, 2005

Anil Kumble

This was one of the most grueling Test matches between India and Sri Lanka which saw the two spin maestros, Muttiah Muralitharan and Anil Kumble, at their best. Muralitharan’s spell of 7/100 had rattled India for a total of 290 runs in the first innings at Delhi.

Anil Kumble, however, gave a fitting reply with his spell of 6/72 in Sri Lanka’s first innings as they fell short of the Indian first innings total by 60 runs. The Sri Lankans had begun very well as they were 175/2 at one stage. However, Kumble came on to bowl and turned the tide in India’s favour.

First, he dismissed a well-set Mahela Jayawardene (60) and followed it up with the quick wickets of Thilan Samaraweera (1) and Tilakaratne Dilshan (0). Sri Lanka were thus reduced to 179/5 within moments. Sometime later, he also accounted for Marvan Atapattu (88) to reduce Sri Lanka further to 198/6. And he finished it off with the wickets of Chaminda Vaas (1) and Muralitharan (9). Sri Lanka were thus bowled out for 230 runs.

India then batted well in the second innings as they declared on a score of 375/6 leaving a target of 436 for Sri Lanka. However, Kumble again launched an assault on the Lankan batsmen with a 4-wicket haul. Sri Lanka were thus bowled out for 247 runs as a result of his superb bowling spell. India thus won the match by 188 runs.