India clinch ODI series despite Jayasuriya heroics

COLOMBO, Aug 28: India survived Sanath Jayasuriya’s explosive half-century to clinch the series against Sri Lanka with a 46-run victory in the fourth One-day International here on Wednesday (also partly reported in Thursday’s edition).

India restricted the hosts to 212 under lights after posting 258 for an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the five-match series. It was their first-ever bilateral one-day series victory in Sri Lanka.

The tourists were well-served by batsmen Suresh Raina (76), skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (71) and teenager Virat Kohli (54) before off-spinner Harbhajan Singh bagged three wickets, including that of Jayasuriya.

Left-handed opener Jayasuriya posed the main threat to India, giving a magnificent display of power-hitting to smash two sixes and eight fours in his 52-ball 60.

“We are a good fielding side and that is a plus point. Raina played well, but it was disappointing that we both got out together and could not get runs in the end,” Dhoni said.

Indian seamer Munaf Patel removed Malinda Warnapura for no score and out-of-form Kumar Sangakkara (6) in three overs to send the hosts struggling at 38-2, but was punished by Jayasuriya who pulled the bowler for two sixes.

The tourists heaved a sigh of relief when Harbhajan dismissed Jayasuriya with his third delivery, with Raina taking a sharp one-handed catch at first slip.

India virtually made sure of the win when skipper Mahela Jayawardene was run out going for a risky single. Jayawardene, who made 94 in the last match, could contribute only 16 this time to leave his team in trouble at 106-4.

Sri Lanka were yet again let down by batting as only lower-order batsman Thilan Thushara could offer resistance after Jayasuriya’s dismissal. Thushara, who also bagged five wickets, cracked a 29-ball 40 with two sixes.

“You need to put in a more disciplined effort while chasing. Jayasuriya gave us a good start but we did not back it up. Thushara has done very well with ball and bat,” said Jayawardene.

“We should not take anything from India. After winning the toss, they put runs on the board. We made a few errors on the way.”

Raina and Dhoni earlier added 143 for the fourth wicket as India reached a competitive total despite a late collapse.

The tourists were all set for the late onslaught when they made 215-3 in 40 overs, but the dismissals of well-set Raina and Dhoni in quick succession affected their chances of posting a big total.

India lost seven wickets for 34 runs in the last nine overs, with left-arm seamer Thushara finishing with 5-47 for his maiden five-wicket haul.

Raina was named Man-of-the-Match for knock of 76.

“I enjoyed batting with Dhoni,” said Raina. “We put pressure on them. I am really happy for the team as we will be going home with the Cup.”

Scoreboard

INDIA:

V. Kohli b Thushara 54

G. Gambhir c Dilshan b Kulasekara 17

Yuvraj Singh c J’dene b Vaas 0

S.K. Raina c Kulasekara b Thushara 76

M.S. Dhoni c Jayasuriya b Thushara 71

R.G. Sharma c Warnapura b Mendis 18

S. Badrinath c J’dene b Murali 6