India broke 22 years old jinx, clinch the series defeating Sri Lankan by 117 runs
India notched up a delayed 117 runs victory over Sri Lanka, and with this victory India clinched the three-match series 3-1. Angelo Mathews, who scored 110 runs, fought well to save the Test, but after a grueling session R Ashwin turned the match on the line of India’s way.
With the old ball, Indian bowlers were struggling. In a pitch where spinners are struggling to Ravichandran Ashwin did a remarkable job when Kusal Perera tried a reverse sweep which Rohit Sharma caught at backward point. Ishant Sharma ensured India’s win, he trapped Mathews LBW with the new ball in hand in the first over after the tea. The match was full of drama. From verbal abuse to the dramatic turnaround was seen on the to India’s win.
Cheteshwar Pujara, who was also adjudged MoM, brilliant 145 and Amit Mishra’s 59 helped to struggle India to 312. Indian bowlers, particularly Ishant Sharma with his five-wicket haul decimated Sri Lanka for mare 201. With a lead 111 when India came to bat Dhammika Prasad wrecked havoc on the Indian batting line up. India lost its three wickets for 21. On the fourth day, India lost Virat early, but Rohit Sharma soaked pressure well in the morning. He scored crucial 50. After his departure, Stuart Binny 49, Amit Mishra 38, Ashwin 58contributed India with three small partnerships.
India got huge 385 runs lead. Sri Lanka came to chase the target 386, went back to the dressing room for 67 for 3. Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav shared the wickets with two and one subsequently.
But, captain Mathews was fought back. He frustrated Indian bowlers till the first over of the tea. As Ishant sent him back, Ashwin produced a dream spell and bamboozled Rangana Herath and Dhammika Prasad. Amit Mishra erected India’s win after 22 years taking the wickets of Nuwan Pradeep, as Mishra trapped him LBW.