Hambantota (Sri Lanka), Jul 24: Sri Lanka exacted a sweet revenge on India with a crushing nine-wicket victory in the second ODI here today, to draw the series level at 1-1.
It was an absolutely contrasting performance by the Indian batsmen from their last match, as they were bundled out for a paltry 138 in only 33.3 overs.
Chasing a target of 139, which isn't good enough for even Twenty20 format, Sri Lankan openers Upul Tharanga (59 no, 60 balls) and Tillekaratne Dilshan (50, 49 balls, 5x4) added 119 runs as the islanders hardly broke sweat while racing to the target in only 19.5 overs.
The win also means that India won't get a shot at No 1 spot in ICC ODI rankings, for which they needed a 5-0 margin in the current series.
Although the second ODI was played on a different strip, it was inexplicable as to how a team, which scored 314 a couple of days back, showed complete lack of application to get out inside the 34th over.
Save opener Gautam Gambhir, who scored a fighting 65 (96 balls, 4x4), the other batsmen paid heavy price for their indiscretion on a pitch that demanded judicious shot selection. Thisara Perera (3/14) and Angelo Mathews (3/19) ran through the Indian top-order.
Although there was a greenish tinge, the pitch, which was primarily on the lower side, also produced the odd deliveries that reared up from the three quarter.
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and expectedly decided to bat despite windy conditions that aided swing bowlers.
The visitors got off to a brisk start courtesy Virender Sehwag (15) as he blasted debutant Isuru Udana for a couple of boundaries as they raced to 31 in just three overs.
