Second ODI

India won unconvincingly when they defeated Sri Lanka by 3 wickets to win the second ODI against Sri Lanka. Buoyed by a brilliant spell of swing bowling by Zaheer Khan who took 4 wickets the Lankans were restricted to 142 in 38.2 overs. Praveen Kumar got 3 wickets, Irfan got 2 wickets, and Harbhajan got the last wicket. Tushara's anchor-knock of 42 brought respectability to the Lankan total.

India's chase started on a disastrous note when Pathan and Kohli opened the batting; I do not understand the persistence of the Indian think-tank to experiment with Pathan as an opener every time there is a low target being chased; he is a bowler who can add valuable runs lower down the order, a couple of good knocks do not mean that he becomes a regular opener.

Irfan, Raina, Yuvraj all departed in quick succession. At 75 India had lost five wickets. Badrinath and Dhoni played sensibly to ensure that India reached home safely, Dhoni scored 35 and Badri was unbeaten on 27 as Zaheer scored the winning runs and deservedly won the man-of-the-match award.

The batting better improve by the next match; do not expect the Lankan batting to collapse every time like it did today.

Come on India you can win this series.