TNI Bureau: India won a thriller against Sri Lanka in the 3rd ODI in Colombo to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. India became the first team to chase down 250+ score against Sri Lanka on the Lankan soil.
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first. At one stage, they were 20/3. However, thanks to Sangakkara and Jayawardene, they consolidated the innings. Sri Lanka posted 286/5 in 50 overs. Sangakkara (73), Jayawardene (65), Angelo Mathews (71*) and Jeevan Mendis (45*) were the top scorers. Zaheer Khan took two wickets.
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Chasing a victory target of 287, India lost Sehwag early. Gautam Gambhir led the charge with a magnificent hundred (102 off 101 balls). Virat Kohli (38) and Dhoni (31) gave him due support.
After the departure of Gambhir, India were in danger of losing the match. However, Suresh Raina played a great knock of 65* off 45 balls to take the team to a thrilling win. Irfan Pathan scored 34* off 31 balls at the other end. India reached 288/5 in 49.4 overs. Malinga took two wickets. Raina was declared ‘Man of the Match’.