India overcame the challenge of Sri Lanka for the second time in the 5-match ODI series in as many matches with considerable ease. Ambati Rayudu became the third Indian to score a century in the series. It was Rayudu’s knock of 121 runs from just 118 balls made it look easier for India.
Having won the toss the Lankans decided to bat first. They managed to score 274/8 in their full quota of 50 overs which never seemed to be enough to defend against a team like India which is more famous for its 
batting. Anyway still they had the capability to set up a total that had the match in balance. Angelo Matthews played a captain’s knock scoring 92 runs. For India Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin picked couple of wickets each to keep the Sri Lankans in check. Ravindra Jadeja also picked up a wicket as he made his way back into the team.
India did not have the greatest of the starts for Ajinkya Rahane got out scoring just 8 runs. However Shikhar Dhawan and Ambati Rayudu played responsible innings to take India into a safer place. Dhawan got out for 79 while Rayudu got involved in yet another 100-run partnership with his captain Virat Kohli who missed his half century by 1 run. In the end India achieved the target with more than 5 overs remaining. Prasanna was the most successful bowler for the visitors as he picked up 3 wickets but he gave away too many runs.
With yet another comprehensive victory India is looking good for wrapping up the series much before its end. In fact it will be really surprising if India fails to finish off the series before the 5th match. Such is the condition that a 5-0 whitewash does not seem to be a distant reality for this Sri Lankan eleven may well be regarded as the weakest ever team that has come to play a series in India.
Tags: Ambati Rayudu india Sri Lanka
