5 memorable Tests India played in Sri Lanka

#3 2001 - The curse of Kandy for Sri Lanka

The Indian pace battery was instrumental in containing SL in the second innings

Sri Lanka have always seemed to face a turn of tides against them at Kandy. The Test match against India in 2001 was yet another example of the same. Put to bat first, the Lankans lost the first wicket cheaply, when Jayasuriya ran himself out just 5 overs into the game, looking to get a non-existent second run.

Yet, SL recovered well from the early blow to toughen up their score. But the Kandy pitch offered plenty to pacers, by virtue of which SL were reduced to 274-9 at the end of Day 1.

Not adding any more to their kitty, SL’s 10th wicket fell at the start of the 2nd day. But the Indian batting line-up did not fare better than their Lankan counterparts, as Chaminda Vaas ripped through the wickets, thereby helping SL take an all-important 42-run lead. After the commencement of the second innings, the tables turned again, as the Indian pace duo of Venkatesh Prasad and Zaheer Khan crushed SL, claiming 9 wickets between them. This left the hosts reeling at 221, setting India a challenging target of 264 on that pitch.

India had more than 2 days left to chase the total leisurely while SL were pressurized to take wickets. Their pace attack went out of steam on Day 4, as India comfortably cruised to victory by 7 wickets with a day to spare, courtesy a gritty 98* from Sourav Ganguly. He was later adjudged the Man of the Match.

With this thumping win, India managed to level the 3-match series 1-1 after the hosts registered a massive 10-wicket win in the first match held at Galle. This match would most certainly be remembered by many, given the fluctuating fortunes and the knife-edge finish, that offered rich entertainment overall.