Gambhir and Dhoni showed great temperament to lift India from 84/4 to 267/4. Gambhir struck 103 and Dhoni scored in excess of 80 runs. It was a test of character for the two batsmen, and for a while it looked like there would be another Indian batting collapse. The duo rotated the strike and took quick singles as the Sri Lankan fielding slipped from being good to becoming mediocre. The last ten overs of the Indian batting yielded 105 runs.

Earlier in the day Sachin became the first batsman in ODI history to cross 16,000 runs. He looked in great form but once again dragged the ball onto his wicket. Sehwag flattered to deceive and was caught behind by Sangakkara as he tried to hook a ball that was wide of the leg-stump; he too got out in his thirties. Yuvraj was caught in the slips when tried to drive a Murali flipper, Rohit Sharma was unlucky to be adjudged caught behind as replays clearly showed that he had not nicked the ball. He has been fined 10% of his match fees for showing dissent to the umpire's decision.

Rain played spoilsport and the two teams were given two points each. The next match between the Lankan Lions and the Kangaroos should prove interesting and I would love to see a Sanath special. India has plenty of time till Sunday to get itself into fighting form as they shall play the Aussies in a crucial match.

England defeated New Zealand in a T:20 match.