Gautam Gambhir’s responsible century followed up by Sachin Tendulkar’s long vigil ensured that Sri Lanka did not get what could have been their first Test victory on Indian soil.

Going into Day 5 with 8 wickets in hand, India got two big partnerships to ease through a draw. Gautam Gambhir who resumed this morning at an overnight score of 74 saw India through the first 45 minutes of play along with night watchman Amit Mishra. It was the first 45 minutes of play that did India in during the first day’s play and the second day’s play when they had lost four wickets each.

Mishra, the night watchman hung in pretty well to the crease before getting out to a brilliant diving catch at leg gully by Dilshan. After his exit, Sachin Tendulkar joined Gautam Gambhir and the pair took India safely to lunch and in the process reducing the deficit to 78. Gambhir worked his way to a 7th test century as well.

Early in the post lunch session, Gautam Gambhir (114 from 230 balls with 13 fours) fell to an ambitious lofted shot off Rangana Herath to gives hopes of a Sri Lankan victory. However, the new man in VVS Laxman found no trouble at all in handling the Sri Lankan spinners and pacers to put up a solid partnership with Tendulkar. The two right handers saw their team through to Tea with still six wickets in hand and India got into a slender lead of 7 runs.

Tendulkar and Laxman batted on and on in the final session to force a draw. Sri Lanka too had given it up as they no longer had any close in fielders. Sachin Tendulkar (100* from 211 balls with 11 fours) helped himself to a 43rd Test hundred and Laxman (51* from 160 balls with 5 fours) got his 40th fifty before the match ended. India finished at an impressive fourth innings total of 412 for 4. Sri Lanka could take only the two wickets in the entire day’s play! Former Sri Lankan Captain Mahela Jayawardene was named as the Man of the Match for his knock of 275.

Tags: Gautam Gambhir, India Vs Sri Lanka, Indian Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, Sri Lanka Cricket