Youngsters did rise to the occasion

Richard Dwight

India leading in the 'five' ODI series against Sri Lanka as hosts, were already winners making headway at 3 to 1. Notwithstanding this, they went into the 5th and final ODI at Palekelle Stadium, with practically the same strong side.

But the same could not be said of the Sri Lanka team.

For the reason that they were sans the services of two of the best world class batsmen, in skipper Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara in addition they were also without the all-rounder Nuwan Kulasekera and the routine, monotonous spinner, Rangana Herath.

We do not wish to dwell on details here for it's history now. But it must be borne in mind that the young Sri Lanka side, was virtually thrown into the deep end, against a star studded Indian team. Not many gave Sri Lanka a chance.

They were of the view that Sri Lanka would be crushed for a paltry score and the match would end early. Comparatively the Indians were far too mature, as against this make shift Sri Lankan players needing exposure - since their domestic tournaments were substandard.

However those who felt lightly of this Sri Lanka team, were taken aback, when the first three Indian wickets fell for 87 with the overs rolling, with Pradeep and Perera among the wickets. As the overs seem to get ahead India was precariously placed at 213 for 6, but eventually a partnership of 77 between Dhoni and Pathan saw them get up to 294 for 7 wickets, with Malinga and Pradeep the main wicket takers.

A score of 294 would have been beyond the reach of this Sri Lankan side to chase.

And what was even worse, the side lost the opener, Dilshan for a duck. It's at time like this, when hard pressed and things are not favourable, that the best in you comes out.

And so it did, when Lahiru Thirimanne scored 77 (run out) Jevan Mendis 72 and Mathew 13 (run out) Perera 18. Had it not been for those two run outs we would have made the 24 runs and won the match.

It was indeed a commendable effort and how true to say, "Hope springs in the eternal breast man never was but is to be blest."