Cricket

2nd Test, Day One: Honours Even

India and Sri Lanka shared honours on the first day of the second test match at Galle of the three match series in the Idea Cup.

After winning the toss, India motored along at a good rate in the first session, as all doubts were dispelled as to how they would counter the threat of Murali and Mendis. The answer was quite positive from both Sehwag and Gambhir as they used their feet well and attacked the bowling from the word go. Sehwag especially did not hold himself back as he struck a six of Mendis, scoring at more than a strike rate of 100.

The duo put on 151 runs in the first session as they created a new record for the ground. After lunch though the rain came pouring in and the whole second session was washed away.

The third session began a bit late but Sehwag was in his elements as he struck another six and a four to reach his hundred off just 87 balls. Gambhir also reached his fifty before he was taken by Mendis, who snapped up Dravid too, for the third time in this series. Then Chaminda Vaas suddenly made his presence felt as he struck two mighty blows removing both Tendulkar and Ganguly as India slipped from 1 for 167 to 4 for 178.

Laxman and Sehwag were at the crease when play was halted due to bad light.

Tags: Idea Cup 2008, India, sri lanka, virender sehwag