Virat Kohli (128*) anchored the batting yet again with the company of Suresh Raina (58*), and part timer Manoj Tiwary, who finally steps-in to the final XI, ripped through the Sri Lankan batting, to win the fourth one-day, and with it, the series for India.
India’s emphatic victory was achieved in 42.2 overs. The scoreline read 255 for 4 in 42.2 overs. India now have an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the series. The last match will be played at Pallekele.
Earlier India started off badly as they lost in-form Gautam Gambhir to Lasith Malinga in the very first ball of the match. Though Virender Sehwag and Kohli put the Indian chase back on track with a 50-run stand for the second wicket but soon Angelo Mathews got rid of Sehwag in the 10th over for 34. Rohit Sharma, who joined Kohli, once again flopped with his willow and was trapped by Pradeep for just four.
Manoj Tiwary, who was playing after warming the bench for long and had done fantastically well with a four-wicket haul earlier on the day, showed some of his batting prowess before Mendis trapped him on 21. Thereafter Kohli found an able partner in Raina and the duo helped India clinch the series.
Earlier, Dilshan (42) and Tharanga (51) got their team off to a good start as they added 81 runs for the first wicket. The middle order batsmen couldn’t capitalise the solid foundation and towards the end, the Lanka failed to put a formidable score in a crucial match.
