Sri Lanka complete epic Test comeback
Sri Lanka completed one of the most epic comebacks in Test cricket when they defeated India by 63 runs on the fourth day in Galle on Saturday to go one-nil up in the three-match series.
The hosts dismissed India for 112 as they chased a score of 176 to win with left-arm spinner Rangana Herath claiming seven wickets in the innings.
India were in command for the first three days of the match and will wondering how they let this match slip away as they wilted under the pressure.
The visitors bowled the home side out for just 183 on the first day while they then replied with 375 to have a lead of 192 after the first innings.
The comeback for Sri Lanka started when they scored 367 in their second innings thanks largely to a brilliant 162 not out from Dinesh Chandimal, leaving India with tricky target to chase but they would have still been confident.
Resuming on 23 for one, India lost nightwatchman Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli within the first hour of the day to set the cat amongst the pigeons at 45 for four.
Herath was now coming into his own on a turning pitch and it seemed the batsmen had no clue on how to deal with him. Sri Lanka's other spinner, Tharindu Kaushal, got the vital wicket of Shikhar Dhawan for 28.
The tail-enders stood virtually no chance against the the twin spinners although top-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane delayed the celebrations for a while as he made 36 before he was second-last man out.
Herath finished with figures of seven for 48 in 21 overs while Kaushal took three for 47 in 17.5 overs. The second Test will start on 20 August in Colombo.
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