India had a big reason to celebrate on Monday as the Indian Cricket team recorded their first win in Tests in the year. India sealed the second Test match against Sri Lanka after setting the hosts a target of 413 runs and then bowling them out for just 134 on the board.
Ravichandran Ashwin was again the star performer for the Indian team with some brilliant bowling display as he took figures of 5-42 and didn’t let the Lankans settle for a draw.
All hopes rested on Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews to save the test match for his side as Sri Lanka had already lost two crucial wickets in the form of Kaushal Silva and Kumar Sangakkara on the fourth day itself.
But Mathews could not stay for long at the crease and Umesh Yadav took him early on in the day.
Leg Spinner Amit Mishra then cleaned up Chandimal as the fall of wickets continued and Ashwin was brought on by Captain Virat Kohli who didn’t disappoint.
Ashwin sent Thirimanne back to the pavilion, thanks to a superb catch by substitute fielder Cheteshwar Pujara at short leg.
Meanwhile, Ishant Sharma was brought back on and he sent Jehan Mubarak back for a duck. Dhammika Prasad too followed in his footsteps.
Dimuth Karuratne was the only player for the hosts who showed resistance in the second Innings although he was also bowled by Ashwin who took his 12th five-wicket haul. Amit Mishra then cleaned up the tail by taking the last 2 wickets. India won the match by a margin of 278 runs and thereby levelled the series 1-1.
Kumar Sangakkara who retired after his last Test match, could not get a fairy-tale type ending to his magnificent 15-year long cricketing career but received congratulatory messages as well praises from the entire cricketing world.
Indian Captain Virat Kohli said – “ I would like to congratulate Kumar (Sangakkara) for a wonderful career. I have spoken a lot about him in the past week, but once more I will say this, it has been a pleasure knowing you and watching you play. All the best for whatever you want to do in life.”
Sangakkara who has been a pure gentleman of the game was emotional in his speech after the match. He thanked his school, friends, family, relatives, fans, opponents, earlier team –mates, current team-mates and Sri Lankan Cricket.
KL Rahul was adjudged the Man of the Match for his 108 in the first Innings. In news that came late after the match, wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha and opener Murli Vijay were ruled out of the last and deciding Test against Sri Lanka due to hamstring injuries. Naman Ojha will be replacing Saha while Karun Nair will come in for Vijay.
>