5 memorable India and Sri Lanka Encounters in Tests

#2 3rd Test: Sri Lanka v India at Colombo (PSS), Aug 3-7, 2010

Second Test - New Zealand v India: Day 5

It was yet another test of India’s nerves as they were 1-0 down coming into the third and final match of the three match series in 2010. Winning the toss, the then Sri Lankan skipper, Kumar Sangakkara, had elected to bat first. They rode on a century from Thilan Samaraweera (137) and fifties from Mahela Jayawardene (56) and Kumar Sangakkara (75) to post a total of 425 runs on the board.

India in reply, took an 11-run lead riding on a century from Virender Sehwag (109) and fifties from VVS Laxman (56) and Suresh Raina (62). Some useful lower order contributions from Abhimanyu Mithun (46) and Amit Mishra (40) also helped their cause.

Sri Lanka were on the brink of being bowled out for a total of around 100 runs in the second innings. They were 125/8 with Thilan Samaraweera stranded at the other end, being unable to find partners who could stay with him. However, Ajantha Mendis arrived at the scene and surprised everyone. He played a magnificent knock of 78 runs and stitched a partnership of 118 runs for the ninth wicket with Samaraweera. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 267 with Samaraweera being the top scorer with a knock of 83 runs.

India were set a target of 257 runs. However, they were in trouble soon as they lost four wickets for just 62 runs. However, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, two of India’s most experienced batsmen, came to the rescue with a 109-run stand between them. Tendulkar was eventually dismissed for 56 runs with India’s score reading 171/5. However, with an able partner in Suresh Raina (41*) at the other end, Laxman saw India home with a magnificent knock of 109*. India thus won the match by five wickets and levelled the three-match series 1-1. Laxman was deservedly adjudged the ‘Player of the Match’ for his terrific century.