Laxman leads India to series-levelling win

Agencies
Bellevision Media Network

Colombo, 07 August 2010: VVS Laxman smashed an unbeaten 103 to guide India to a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the third Test on Saturday to end the three-match series level at 1-1. India, chasing 257 to win, started the final day on 53-3 and lost the wicket of night-watchman Ishant Sharma just three overs into the first session when he was caught by Kumar Sangakkara at mid-wicket off a Suraj Randiv delivery for four.

 

Tendulkar and Laxman shared 109 runs for the second wicket to tilt the game in India’s favor. Tendulkar was out after lunch for a watchful 54 off 122 balls, including three boundaries. Laxman faced 122 balls and hit three boundaries for his 16th test century. Off-spinner Randiv, playing only his second Test, claimed his first five-wicket haul to finish with 5-82.

 

 

Tendulkar was dropped on 18 by Tillakaratne Dilshan off Randiv at short-leg in a decisive let off that probably cost Sri Lanka the match. Randiv, who came into the Sri Lanka side for retired Muttiah Muralitharan, took every Indian wicket to fall in the second innings. He had Virender Sehwag caught at slip by Mahela Jayawardene without scoring on Friday before bowing Rahul Dravid for seven runs. Murali Vijay was caught at short-leg by Jayawardene for 27, also on Friday.

 

India was dismissed for 436 runs in its first innings in reply to Sri Lanka’s 425. The home side was all out for 267 in its second innings after Thilan Samaraweera and tailender Ajantha Mendis shared a record 118 runs for the ninth wicket to guide Sri Lanka to a respectable score. Sri Lanka won the first Test by 10 wickets in Galle.