Sri Lanka played their Final One Day International Match of Indian tour today at Pallekale International Stadium. India were able to clinch the series victory after beating Sri Lanka in 4th ODI match played at R Premadasa Stadium on 31st of July, they took the lead over Sri Lanka 3-1.
According to the Mahela Jayawardane's statement soon after the 4th ODI, he gave up his chance to Kapugedara in the final match.
Jeewan Mendis (L) (72) & Lahiru Thirimanne (R) (77) formed 102 Runs Partnership for 6th wicket. (Photo: Agency News AP/AFP)
Mahela explained that few players of the squad lagging with their fitness and need of rest after couple of month of continues cricket.
Mahela Jayawardane the captain of Sri Lanka & the main spin bowler Rangana Herath were rested and Kapugedara & Sachithra Senanayaka called in. Angelo Mathews was appointed as the skipper with the absence of Mahela jayawardane, "It's going to be a new experience, and a new challenge. I have my own definite ideas, and I'll get a bit of help from Mahela." said Mathews at the toss.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni captain of India won the toss for the 3rd Time out of 5 matches and elected to bat first. India has made one change, Virendra Sehwag rested and 24 year Ajinka Rahane took the vacant seat.
Gautham Gambir again showed his successive run against Sri Lanka with 88 Runs, Manoj Thiwari (65) and MS Dhoni (58) strengthen the Indian inning from behind. India were managed to score a mammoth total of 294 for 7 in their 50 overs. Rohith Sharma again failed and only managed to score 4 runs, Nuwan Pradeep picked his wicket and it was his 2nd wicket of the match. Nuwan trapped Kohli LBW for 23 as his 1st wicket of the match.
Lasith Malinga renewed his record against India with a 3 wicket haul for 64 Runs and it was his best performance against India in his career.
India 294/7
G Gambhir 88, AM Rahane 9, V Kohli 23, RG Sharma 4, MK Tiwary 65, SK Raina 0, MS Dhoni 58, IK Pathan 29*, R Ashwin 2*
SL Malinga 3/64, NLTC Perera 1/53, AD Mathews 0/29, N Pradeep 2/63, SMSM Senanayake 1/50, BMAJ Mendis 0/25
With the first wicket of TM Dilshan's wicket for duck, Sri Lankan inning started with a bad patch. Young Lahiru Thirimanna shown his maturity with the bat consecutively at the difficult Number 3 position and dragged Sri Lankan inning to the end. But yet again Sri Lanka's front row batman's were failed to capitalize the opportunity and Thirimanna faught alone with out an assistance of other end.
Sri Lanka lost their 1st 5 wickets for 102 Runs in 15 overs, Chandimal failed again for the 4th time in this series, Chandimal only managed to score total of 55 Runs in 5 innings with the average of 13.75.
Chamara Kapugedara only managed to score 9 Runs and gone as the 5th wicket of Sri Lanka at the total of 102. Chamara Kapugedara failed during Sri Lanka "A" teams South Africa and Zimbabwe tour and carried misfortune alongside him.
Jeewan Sliva played a sensible inning along with Lahiru Thirimanne to blossom the hope of Sri Lanka's Victory. Both youngsters formed a partnership of 102 for the 6th wicket, Lahiru Thirimanna run out unfortunatly for 77 and it was the turning point of the match. Tisara Perera couldn't connect the bat at the most needed moment, Jeewan Mendis scored his 1st Half century in 5 matches and he lost his wicket at 72 runs.
Irfan Pathan was the only bowler succeeded end of the match with a 5 wicket haul for 61 and the achievement promoted him to Man of the match title. Pathan nailed Sri Lanka's tailenders to secure his 5 wicket haul.
Virat Kohli named as the man of the match for his batting performance though out the series, Kohli scored 296 runs in 5 inning with the average of 74.00 to become highest run scorer during the series.
India Won the One Day International Series against Sri Lanka 4-1.
Only Twenty 20 match between two teams will play on Tuesday at Pallekale Stadium.
Sri Lanka 274 All out (45.4 Overs)
WU Tharanga 31, TM Dilshan 0, HDRL Thirimanne 77, LD Chandimal 8, AD Mathews 13, CK Kapugedera 9, BMAJ Mendis 72, NLTC Perera 18, SMSM Senanayake 7, SL Malinga 10, N Pradeep 0*
Z Khan 1/53, IK Pathan 5/61, AB Dinda 2/55, V Kohli 0/3, R Ashwin 0/37, RG Sharma 0/23, SK Raina 0/12, MK Tiwary 0/14
Five Match ODI Series Stats and performance of Sri Lanka and India players.
