Although the second ODI was played on a different strip, it was inexplicable as to how a team that scored 314 couple of days back showed complete lack of application to get out inside 34th over.
Save opener Gautam Gambhir who scored a fighting 65 (96 balls, 4x4), the other batsmen paid heavy price for their indiscretion on a pitch that demanded judicious shot selection. Thisara Perera (3/14) and Angelo Mathews (3/19) ran through the Indian top-order.
With 43 minutes left for break, Sri Lanka raced to 64 for no loss in only nine overs with only 75 runs required off remaining 41. Upul Tharanga (24 batting) and Tillekaratne Dilshan (28 batting) looked very much in ease while chasing the target.
Although there was a greenish tinge but the pitch which was primarily on the lower side also produced odd deliveries that reared up from the three quarter.
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and expectedly decided to bat despite windy conditions which aided swing bowlers.
The visitors got off to a brisk start courtesy Virender Sehwag (15) as he blasted debutant Isuru Udana for a couple of boundaries as they raced off to 31 in three overs.
After Udana, went for 16 in his first over, Mahela Jayawardene had no option but to turn to Thisara Perera whose slower delivery had Sehwag committing to the shot early and the bowler took a sharp reflex catch.
