Sensational Win for India at Hobart

At Hobart only the die-hard fan nursed any hope, perhaps it looked as if the Team itself had given up.  More so when Lankans posted a great total (read improbable and impossible to chase) of 320 aided by centuries by Dilshan and Sangakkara.  It looked a true end for a troubled series.

Not many would have chosen to follow up – India began their chase majestically but soon found Sehwag and Tendulkar albeit after a brisk start.  Earlier, on a day, when Dhoni would have expected a burst from one of his key bowler – the bowling was wayward and they were hit all over the park as Tilakaratne Dilshan made his 11th ODI century and Kumara Sangakkara also dazzled.  Needing to overhaul 320 itself was difficult but the plot was to overcome it before 40th over to win the much needed bonus point. 

It was Virat Kohli all the way – though good contributions did come from Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir and Suresh Raina also. 

Virat Kohli made 133 off 86 balls with 2 sixes and 16 fours.   Over no 35 would remain etched for ever as  Malinga went for  24 runs to Kohli and ended up giving away 86 runs in his 7 overs.. that particular over would read :  2 – 6 – 4 – 4 – 4 – 4.   At the end of Over 34, India needed 42 off 36 with 14 coming off the 34th.  That over changed the equations and from then on it was a formality

Now Indians have 15 points equaling Sri Lanka – Aussie have 19.  If only Australia beats Lanka in the last of the league match, India should be through to the finals of this 3 Nation tournament.

With regards – S Sampathkumar.