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Colombo: Sri Lankan batting great Kumar Sangakkara made 18 in his final test innings as India dominated fourth day’s play in the second test on Sunday to stand eight wickets away from a series-levelling victory. For the fourth successive innings in the series, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed the 37-year-old left-hander to send groans across the P Sara Oval. [caption id=“attachment_2404712” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]
Ishant Sharma and Co are eight wickets away from a series leveling win on Day 5 in Colombo. Reuters[/caption] Sangakkara walked out to a guard-of-honour by the Indians and the umpires and nearly ran himself out soon after a mix-up with opener Dimuth Karunaratne. The southpaw unleashed the trademark flick and straight drive but could not convert the start, edging Ashwin to gully. India rode Ajinkya Rahane’s 126 to reach 325-8 before declaring to set Sri Lanka, who lead the three-test series 1-0, a difficult 413-run victory target. Ashwin dismissed Kaushal Silva and Sangakkara to peg back Sri Lanka who were 72-2 at close, still 341 runs behind the target. Skipper Angelo Mathews (23) and Karunaratne (25) will return to continue Sri Lanka’s resistance on the final day of the test on Monday. Earlier, having taken an 87-run first innings lead, India resumed on 70-1 and scored freely. Rahane was characteristically composed while Murali Vijay (82) displayed aggression by hitting both paceman Dushmantha Chameera and off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal (4-118) for six. Kaushal had the last laugh as he ended the 140-run stand trapping Vijay leg before after the batsman went for a sweep shot and missed the line. The 22-year-old off-spinner dealt another blow when he accounted for rival captain Virat Kohli who also fell leg before. Rahane showed the temperament that prompted his promotion to number three in the batting order but was not afraid to attempt an occasional cheeky shot, like the reverse-sweep for four off Kaushal that brought up his 50. He added 85 runs with Rohit Sharma (34) to consolidate India’s position and took 212 balls to complete his century before Kaushal dismissed both. India scored at a healthy four-an-over run rate in the second session and their only worry appeared to be the fitness of wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha, who retired hurt with a strain but returned to bat again. REUTERS
SL v IND, 2nd Test Day 5 as it happened: Sanga bids farewell after India romp to victory
Live updates from Day 5 of second Test in Colombo as India look to level the three-match series against Sri Lanka
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Lest we forget amidst the over-riding emotions of a Sangakkara’s farewell, that was a brilliant game of Test cricket. Quick runs, grinding out sessions, brilliant centuries, excellent bowling and an almost inevitable fourth innings collapse – it had everything. It was an absolute pleasure to cover Sanga’s last game live and I hope you guys enjoyed it as much as I did.
Join us for the series-deciding third Test from SSC, Colombo in a few days time. Till then, adios from us here at Firstpost!
As he walks off hugging his wife, on his teammates shoulders, we bid goodbye to a great champion. When there are lumps in throat listening to a man speak his heart at the end of career for someone who is not even from the same country, it goes to show what impact he has had on the game.
Summary: India won by 278 runs. Series level 1-1. And Sangakkara rides off on the shoulders of his teammates into retirement.
Kumar Sangakkara: Thanks all his former captains, innumerable coaches, his teammates, will miss chatting nonsense in the dressing room. Tells his manager he’s more than that – he’s family now and godfather to his beautiful kids. Have never looked far for inspiration – my parents are here with me,. (Breaks down in dears) I don’t want to embarass you guys in front of everyone. “You don’t get to choose your family, but I’m glad I was born to you guys.”
“When I look at the box and see all my friends, all coming here on a Monday to support me, to go home after this is over, and to know that I have unconditional love of all you guys – that will be greatest achievement”
To Virat: “Thank you so much for your words, but thanks the most for playing tough cricket in my final match. You have been our toughest rivals”
To Angelo: “You have a great team. Don’t stop working hard. Take pride in playing for your country.”
Wow.
This is when he credited Sanjay Manjrekar for an article he had written talking about his delivery stride.
Amen.
“Very happy” he said. Wouldn’t have guessed seeing his demeanour – calm, composed and collected.
Virat Kohli: Happy with my first win. Came close twice before – once in Adelaide, once in Galle. Relieved that we regrouped and put in a great performance. Rahul’s blinder set the day up nicely. He helped us lift ourselves. We did not want the game to go too far ahead. I want to applaud Stuart Binny for his effort in the first innings. Gave us great control in the middle. Spoke about improving close-catching, we had to take the half-chances and that’s what Test cricket is about. We worked on it hard as a team.
Want to congratulate Kumar on a great career. I have spoken a lot in the last week about him – everybody has. It’s been a pleasure knowing you, Kumar. Good luck with what you choose to next in your career.
Man of the match is KL Rahul for his first innings hundred.
Sad for Saha that he got injured but happy with the catch I took this morning (Mathews). I have kept for the U-19 side before. Happy with my second Test 100. Absolutely enjoying my time with this team. Very satisfying to come out and get the victory.
Angelo Mathews: Pretty disappointed with the cricket we played. But more disappointed that we could not send Sanga off on a high. Batters did not put up a big score first innings. Disapppointed with our batting this morning, the Indians bowled really well.
On behalf of the entire team I would like to thank Sangakkara for his service. No words to describe his contribution.
Presentation underway.
Most exciting player of the match is Ravichandran Ashwin. Impact player of the match is Ajinkya Rahane for his second innings century.
Ashwin undoubtedly the star of this series for India so far. Arguably, for both teams.
Big win.
OUT! All-out! Its Mishra’s third and Chameera falls for the googly – not offering a shot and getting wrapped on the front pad. Virat Kohli gets his first win as captain.
India win by 278 runs. And now the Sanga farwell party can begin.
The play has resumed in Colombo. Looking a bit gloomy, at least on Television but rain staying away so far.
Umesh Yadav completes the over with three short balls at Herath from around the wicket. Mishra to start a fresh over from the other end..
Covers are off now. Should get play after lunch, it looks like.
Sadly, yes. Some excellent wicket-taking balls, sure but some lose shots as well.
Was Sangakkara seen doing the rain-dance? Can anyone confirm?
Current status: After 42.3 overs SL 130/9 (Herath 4, Chameera 0)
Ashwin’s figures: 16-6-42-5. Brilliant!
After 41 overs SL 124-8 (Herath 2, Kaushal 1)
Ashwin takes a break from bowling. Yadav and Mishra bowling in tandem. Yadav targeting the right hander with bouncers.
Mishra to continue…