India surpass massive Sri Lanka total in Colombo
Sachin Tendulkar’s double ton and Suresh Raina’s century on debut ensured India reeled in, and then surpassed, Sri Lanka’s formidable first innings total of 642-4 in the second Test of their current series.
In a match, and on a flat batting track, where the batsmen have reigned supreme, it was Raina who provided the first milestone of day four as he became the first India batsman since Virender Sehwag in 2001 to score a century in his debut Test, before he was finally dismissed for 120 to provide Sri Lanka with their first wicket in 70 overs and end a 256-run partnership with Tendulkar.
Tendulkar, who began the day unbeaten on 108, went on to post the fifth double century of his Test career, before Tillakartne Dilshan made the breakthrough as the Little Master was caught behind for 203.
Harbhajan Singh came and went for a duck in the same over, but skipper MS Dhoni (76) ensured India moved past the Sri Lankan total before he became Dilshan’s third scalp of the innings, as she scooped an attempted drive back in the vicinity of the bowler, who duly took the catch.
As the end of the day’s play approached, Ajantha Mendis ensured a half-century would elude Abhimanyu Mithun, bowling him for 41 to leave the hosts with just one wicket to take to end the India innings before the final day’s play.
It wasn’t to be and at stumps on day four, India had amassed a total of 669-9 and a 27-run lead over Sri Lanka.
India’s chase has surely meant the Test will end in a draw, and Sri Lanka should head into the final match of the series with a 1-0 lead after claiming victory in the first Test in Galle.