Gambhir makes Lanka pay dearly

BRISBANE, (AFP) - India’s Guatam Gambhir made Sri Lanka pay for an early reprieve by blasting his way to a century, but rain again had the final say as the one-day match in Brisbane was washed out.

Each of the first two tri-series matches have now failed to be resolved after the opening match, between Australia and India last Sunday, also at the Gabba, fell victim to the elements.

On Tuesday, the rain cut down a match that was tantalisingly poised at the halfway mark after Gambhir, dropped on 11 by wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara, posted a scintillating unbeaten 102 from 101 balls, including 10 fours and a six, to steer India to 4-267.

The 26-year-old and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (88 not out off 95) combined for a 184-run stand that rescued India after they had slumped to 4-83 in the 21st over.

“A century was never on my mind - it was more important that the team should win,’’ Gambhir said. “That’s what I told Dhoni - it was more important that he hits the ball well (than getting me on strike).’’

Although it rained heavily on the morning of the match, the skies cleared to allow a 1415 (EDT) start - and India raised some eyebrows when choosing to bat first after winning the toss.

The decision soon looked a wise one, however, as openers Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag scored at almost five runs per over inside the first 15.

But India were pulled back when Lasith Malinga bowled Tendulkar, playing on for 35, and Ishara Amerasinghe, playing in his second one-day international, had Sehwag caught behind for 33 to claim his first wicket at this level. From 0-68, India were suddenly 2-80 in the 18th over.

Tendulkar had brought up a remarkable milestone when he snatched a quick single from the bowling of Chaminda Vaas to move to 28 and bring up his 16,000th run in one-day internationals.

“He’s a legend - he’s the greatest batsman India has ever produced,’’ Gambhir said.”To get 16,000 runs in one-day cricket - it’s just incredible. Only a genius can do these things, and he’s a genius.’’

Amerasinghe should have had another breakthrough two overs later when Gambhir edged behind, only for keeper Sangakkara to spill the one-handed chance to his left.

The disappointment was short-lived, however, as Muttiah Muralidaran made an immediate impact with two wickets in his first over, the 21st of the innings.

Yuvraj Singh was his first victim, flashing hard but edging to Mahela Jayawardene at first slip for 2, before Rohit Sharma was adjudged caught behind for 0 despite appearing not to hit the ball. Sharma stood his ground for some time and shook his head in disbelief as he left the field, acts of dissent for which he was later fined 10 per cent of his match fee.

A rout looked possible, but Gambhir went on to make Sri Lanka pay, combining well with his skipper in overcast conditions to thrash 105 unbroken runs in the final 10 overs.

The heavens soon opened, however, to kill any chances of the match reaching a meaningful conclusion.

India

V. Sehwag c Sangakkara b Amerasinghe 33
S. Tendulkar b Malinga 35
G. Gambhir not out 102
Yuvraj Singh c Jayawardene b Muralitharan 2
R. Sharma c Sangakkara b Muralitharan 0
M.S. Dhoni not out 88
Extras (lb3, w4) 7
Total (4 wkts 50 overs) 267
Fall of wickets: 1-68 (Tendulkar), 2-80 (Sehwag), 3-83 (Yuvraj), 4-83 (R. Sharma)
Did not bat: R. Uthappa, I. Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, S. Sreesanth, I. Sharma
Bowling: Vaas 10-0-72-0 (w1), Malinga 10-1-56-1 (w1), Amerasinghe 10-2-30-1, Muralitharan 10-0-51-2 (w1), Kapugedera 6-0-23-0 (w1), Dilshan 1-0-8-0, Jayasuriya 3-0-24-0.
Sri Lanka: U. Tharanga, S. Jayasuriya, K. Sangakkara, M. Jayawardene, C. Silva, T. Dilshan, C. Kapugedera, C. Vaas, L. Malinga, M. Muralitharan, I. Amerasinghe.