It was inconsequential as far as the series went, but India’s 68-run loss to Sri Lanka, apart from salvaging some pride for the hosts, also ensured that Mahendra Singh Dhoni & Co’s winning streak ended at nine, and that they will have to wait longer to get to the No. 1 ranking.

India weren’t complacent, but had a bad day in the field as they decided to dole out an ODI debut to Ravindra Jadeja and hand a recall to Laxmipathy Balaji. Unfortunately for them, Dhoni lost his first toss of the series, allowing the opposition some breathing space as they went about setting a target.

A solid 97 from opener Tillakaratne Dilshan and a quickfire 84 from Kumar Sangakkara took Lanka to a handy 320/8, despite a late wobble that threatened to derail their innings. The new-ball bowlers suffocated the Indian top-order, which failed to break the shackles, and though three batsmen got half-centuries, the middle and lower-order never really looked like winning the match as the visitors folded up for 252 in 48.5 overs.

Early blows

Chasing a big score, India needed a good start from their in-form batsmen, but Virender Sehwag and Suresh Raina fell early. Yuvraj Singh walked in with the scoreboard reading 9/2 — which became 52 for three when Gautam Gambhir fell — and looked comfortable as he set about dissecting the Lankan attack. His 73, which included 11 fours and one six, ensured he won the Man of the Series award, but his departure saw the end of the Indian challenge. Mahendra Singh Dhoni played a typically responsible innings, and Ravindra Jadeja justified his selection with an unbeaten 60, but too many wickets fell around them as the Indian innings drifted towards the end.

... contd.