Sri Lanka rode on a maiden hundred by Chamara Silva to recover from another
top order slump and post a challenging 259 for seven in 47 overs in the fourth
and final cricket one-dayer against India here today.
Twenty-seven-year old Silva justified his inclusion in place
of Upul Tharanga by hitting a run-a-ball 107 not out that helped the
tourists overcome a faltering batting performance on a benign track.
Silva, playing in his 14th ODI, authored two vital partnerships,
first a 68-run stand with Tillekaratne Dilshan (28) and then a 64-run association
with Farveez Maharoof (28) after the Lankans were reduced to 56-4 and
then 165-6.
The right-handed middle order batsman struck 12 fours and a six in his unbeaten
knock.
Zaheer Khan and Ajit Agarkar picked two wickets
but neither of them were economical while Sreesanth was even more profligate
with 1-46 from eight overs.
The Kerala seamer conceded 15 runs in his and the innings'
last over.
The start of the match was delayed by an hour due to dew.
The four-match series is tied 1-1 with the first tie at Kolkata
washed out by rain.
Attapattu and Sanath Jayasuriya gave Sri Lanka
a solid start, making 42 runs of seven overs after being put in.
Jayasuriya was particularly aggressive and took advantage of
the field restrictions in power play to go over the top for a few boundaries.
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