Dhoni's composure secured India a tie

Yet another cracking knock from the Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni ensured India that they did not lose against Sri Lanka. The match ended in a tie with both teams sharing two points each.

The wicket played an important role in yesterday’s contest against Sri Lanka which made India work hard in their run-chase. It was a completely different wicket than the one that was used against Australia on Sunday. The Indian batsmen kept losing wickets in regular intervals.

The middle order did not contribute anything to the match as they were dismissed rather cheaply, with the exception of Ravindra Jadeja who fell for an extraordinary catch from Jayewardene. It was Dhoni who ensured that India didn’t lose this contest as he fought till the end and was able to tie the match. He came in when India were in need of 59 runs in the last ten overs and was not able to progress with the chase as the wickets tumbled at the other end.

Earlier the run-chase was set up by Gautam Gambhir as he carried on his form that he showed against the Aussies, his knock of 91, kept the hopes alive for India till the end as he built an partnership with Dhoni. Gambhir put on 60 runs for the 5th wicket before he was run-out by a direct hit from Kulasekara, thereby missing an opportunity to score a ton.

His dismissal cost India as the next couple of hitters were back into the pavilion very quickly. It was Dhoni who showed some resistance by keeping his composure despite being left with the tail once again. When a boundary was required in the last delivery of the innings Dhoni was able to secure a tie as he managed to pick three runs.

“Two back-to-back thrilling games in front of a packed house. Batting with the tail especially in these circumstances becomes difficult. I told them that let us play the whole 50 overs. It was Gautaum Gambhir who set the tone for us in the chase. The wicket played a crucial role today as it was a different surface than we played against Australia other night,” said Dhoni at the post match presentation.

Earlier after winning the toss Sri Lanka managed 236 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Ashwin’s bowling figures read: 2/40 and Vinay Kumar has scalped three wickets. For Sri Lanka Chandimal’s 81, and skipper Jayewardene’s 43, took Sri Lanka past the 200-odd runs. Sangakkara yet again got off to a start but failed to make the most of it as he was dismissed for 31. It was Senanayake’s 22(14) in the end that helped Sri Lanka post a total that would be defend-able by their bowlers.

India had a excellent day in the field as they notched up with three run-outs. “As I said earlier, the best fielding side I have got and proud of it. The boys are showing their commitment to the potential they have,” said Dhoni.

Sri Lanka had their chance of winning in the last over, but it was Lasith Malinga who failed to hold on to the ball during an run-out attempt. Malinga failed to collect the ball when Dhoni was short of his crease.

With this tie Sri Lanka opened their account in the tri-series and gained some much needed confidence for their next game against the Australians.