Facinating victory for India at Colombo
India beat Sri Lanka by 5 wickets in the third and final test match at Colombo today. VVS Laxman scored his 16th test century and remained unbeaten to take India beyond the victory mark. India Level the Micromax Test series by 1-1.
Sangakkara has lacked imagination as a skipper. He hasn't used Malinga effectively this morning, while Mendis was introduced only in the 2nd hour of the session. It should be noted that there were no demons whatsoever in the pitch. Most of the batsmen who were dismissed played poor shots. The pitch was slow and the Indians reached the target easily. Even if after losing Sachin, the batting was deep enough to ensure that India reach the victory line.
VVS Laxman has played a magical knock to steer India home in what has been a fascinating Test match. The win certainly looked elusive at 62/4 but Tendulkar and Laxman showed tremendous resolve to blunt the spinners and treat the bowling on its merit to give India a special win. Tendulkar got out just after he notched up his 56th fifty, but Raina came in and played some sparkling strokes to set up a magnificent victory for the visitors. The win also means that Dhoni is yet to lose a Test series as skipper.
Once again, MS Dhoni has achieved the great escape. He did it against South Africa at Kolkata in 2010 and now here at the P. Sara Oval. His undefeated series streak will now be a part of Indian cricketing folklore. This has been brilliant stuff from the Indian batsmen, especially Very Very Special Laxman. India can celebrate long and hard into the night.
VVS is the Man of the Match for his outstanding 16th test century that lead India to victory. Sehwag is the Man of the Series for his 348 runs which includes two centuries, one half-century and 7 wickets with the ball. He gets a brand new Fiat Linea car as well for his efforts.
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