Cricket: The Little Master continues to perform for India
India has clawed its way back to take a lead over hosts Sri Lanka on day four of the second test match being played at the Sinhalese sports club ground.
The tourists succeeded in taking over the first innings total accumulated by the hosts of 642 for 4, as they end the day at 669 for 8.
The highlight of the day was the partnership between Suresh Raina and master blaster Sachin Tendulkar, who added 256 runs for their fifth wicket stand to check the hosts.
Raina completed his maiden test hundred before he was eventually dismissed by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ajantha-c42419 Mendis. He offered a simple catch to Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara after making 120 runs.
His departure brought to the wicket the Indian captain http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MS-Dhoni-c2028. The skipper built a solid partnership with the ‘Little Master’ Tendulkar, who was inching towards another double hundred. 37-year old Tendulkar is the highest run getter in Tests and scored his fifth double century off 338 balls.
His imperious knock included 23 fours and one six, and helped the Indians take control of what was once a dicey situation when three quick wickets had left them in a spot of bother with the total reading 173 for 3.
Tendulkar’s masterful innings ended soon after he reached his 200. He was on 203 when he edged a delivery from part time off-spinner Dilshan into the hands of the wicket-keeper Prasana Jayawardene.
Dilshan struck another blow dismissing the turbanator Harbhajjan Singh for a duck, the right hander was snapped by Sangakkara.
Dhoni then found a reliable partner in fast bowler Mithun, who continued to impress with the bat after his dogged resistance in the first test match.
Dhoni on the other hand failed to convert his half century into a three figure score, once again falling to Dilshan, who enjoyed a dream spell in the second and third sessions of the day.
The Indian captain scored 76-runs. His knock included 7 hits to the fence and came off 138 balls.
Mithun hung around for 41 runs off 97 balls with the help of 4 fours. The right hander was dismissed by Mendis, becoming his fourth victim of the innings.
The last wicket stand of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ishant-Sharma-c64566 and Ojha survived the last few minutes taking the score to 669 for 9, a lead of 27 runs.
The last day of the match can provide some excitement especially if http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 succeed in knocking the Sri Lankan top order cheaply.
If they fail to do so than the match is certain to peter out in a draw, on what has been a lifeless wicket at the SSC.
The Indians would be hoping that they find something on the fifth day wicket, especially their spin twins Harbhajjan and Ojha. Otherwise, the number one test team in the world will enter the third and final test match of the series needing a victory to level the series. The Indians trail 1-0 after suffering a 10-wicket loss at Galle last week.
A real inspiration is needed to instil some life in the match that has failed to live up to expectations due to the lifelessness of the SSC track. Let us see if we have someone who can turn the tables for the tourists tomorrow.
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