Top performer: Zaheer Khan
Posted on Aug 20, 2008 at 17:18 | Updated Aug 20, 2008 at 20:15
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Tags: top performer, India- sri lanka series, Zaheer Khan
Dambulla: Zaheer Khan vindicated his captain's decision to field in the second ODI with a deadly opening spell at Dambulla on Wednesday. The Indian spearhead rattled the Lankan batting with exemplary control of the new ball. He removed the top four Lankan batsmen and shook the home side by its roots.
Zaheer's ability to trouble the left-handers was highlighted once again as he cleaned up Sri lankan mainstay Kumar Sangakkara in his very first over.
The right-handers then were on Zaheer's radar as they fell in the trap of Zaheer's 'corridor' line. Both Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene and No. 4 Chamara Kapugedera edged outgoing balls as the home side were reduced to a dismal 10-3 in the sixth over.
The icing on the cake for India came when Zaheer struck his fourth blow, trapping the dangerous Sanath Jayasuriya leg before.
The left-arm pacer's four for had left Sri Lanka tottering at 11-4.
Zaheer's exploits had rocked the Lankan batting and the home side never recovered from there to be bowled out for 142 in 38.3 overs. And India chased down the target to draw level in the five-match series.
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