RAYUDU BLITZ CARRIES INDIA TO VICTORY
MAIDEN TON HELPS HOSTS BEAT LANKA BY SIX WICKETS
AHMEDABAD: The situation was new for Ambati Rayudu. He had never come in at No 3 in his 20-match ODI career before Thursday, but adapted with ease to score an unbeaten century that sealed a six-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the second ODI.
On the India radar since 2012, it has been an anxious wait. Chances were few in a full strength playing XI. But with his brisk 121 in 118 balls (10x4, 4x6), Rayudu strengthened his claim for a spot with t he Australia tour and World Cup approaching.
From being touted as a promising youngster, to being shunned after his foray into the rebel Indian Cricket League and clawing his way back to national reckoning, life has come a full circle for the 29-year-old.
With Ajinkya Rahane dismissed cheaply and the Sri Lanka pace attack making good use of the bounce on the pitch with the new ball, Rayudu was cautious. He stitched a 122run partnership with Shikhar Dhawan and put on 116 runs with stand-in skipper Virat Kohli at the Sardar Patel stadium in Motera. India reached the target, scoring 275 for four with 5.3 overs to spare, taking a 2-0 lead with three games left. BIG LET-OFF Lady luck smiled on Dhawan again, as he got a reprieve from the umpire on 10, going on to score 79 (80 balls, 7x4, 1x6). Replays suggested he had nicked behind the stumps off Lahiru Gamage.
The visitors fared better than in the first game in Cuttack but the hosts were up to the task. There has been a mark difference in Dhawan’s approach. From a flashy strokeplay, Dhawan has evolved, showing better temperament. He could not score his second century in a row, caught in the deep playing the sweep.
Mathews led from the front with an unbeaten 92 (101 balls, 10x4, 1x6) to help Sri Lanka overcome two slumps. The highest run-getter in ODIs this year displayed controlled aggression to push the score in the final ten overs.