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Untitled Document
 Gambhir slams half century, match drawn
21st Jul 2008 06:03 IST
Agencies
Gautam Gambhir made up for his first innings flop show with a strokeful 60 as the three-day match between India and Sri Lanka Board XI petered to a mundane draw at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo on Sunday.
After India declared their first innings at overnight score of 196/8, the hosts scored 247/6 in 55 overs before asking Anil Kumble and his men to take strike again.
India lost Virender Sehwag (14) and Rahul Dravid (26) before reaching 129/2 in 31 overs as the match ended in a stalemate.
Gambhir, who had scored just four in the first innings, was not out on a fluent 60 off 82 balls with the help of eight boundaries.
Sourav Ganguly was unbeaten on 22 off 45 balls that included just one boundary as the left-hander decided to spend maximum time in the middle.
With Kumble deciding to give his bowlers a go at the Sri Lankans, Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma removed off-colour Upul Tharanga (5) and Mahela Udawatte (15) to reduce the hosts to 29/2.
Harbhajan Singh once again scalped a couple but Chamara Silva (59 not out) and Dammika Prasad (43 not out) put their foot down to ensure there was no batting collapse and set India a target of 276 runs.
India had a poor start as Sehwag returned after a run-a-ball 14 even though Gambhir was determined to make the best of the opportunity.
Rahul Dravid had lasted just 10 balls in the first innings and he had a prolonged 47-ball stay.
With Sachin Tendulkar hitting 69 in the first innings to prove that there is no cobweb in his batting, the think-tank promoted Ganguly, who had a forgettable first innings.
Ganguly responded by hanging out there to get into the groove and spent as much time possible in the middle. |
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