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India crushes Sri Lanka by 152 runs, takes 1-0 lead

     Nagpur: Sachin Tendulkar is back, so is India with comprehensive 152-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first One Day International of the Videocon Series in Nagpur on Tuesday. After setting up a massive target of 351 for the touring side, India wrapped the Sri Lankan inning for 198 with more than 14 overs remaining with spin duo of Harbhajan Singh and Murali Kartik taking three wickets each, while debutant S Sreeshanth took two to India 1-0 lead in the seven-match series. Earlier today, the new Team India captain, Rahul Dravid won the toss and chose to bat on the flat Nagpur wicket, and proving his decision correct, openers Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag gave the team a quick start. After Sehwag's dismissal at team score of 41, Irfan Pathan, who was promoted to number three as a pinch hitter, joined Tendulkar and together they put a partnership of 164 for the second wicket. Both the players played completely freely during their stand with shots all over the ground and, sometimes, even on the roofs. During his 70-balls 83, which included eight 4s and four 6s, Pathan once again showed the potential to become a genuine all- rounder with his chanceless inning.

     Tendulkar proved he has got over the tennis elbow injury that had barred him from playing competitive cricket for six months. Showing pictures of his peak days, Tendulkar played shots round the wicket, charged down the wicket against pacers and took singles to give charge to his younger partner Pathan, who was on song today. Using the platform set by the top order, captain Dravid 85 not out) and wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (38) later tore through the Sri Lankan attack and set a mammoth total of 350. In reply, Sri Lanka had a bad start with Pathan striking early to get rid of Sri Lankan skipper Marvan Atapattu (1) with an inswinger on total score of ten. Though they kept their chance alive with a 64-run second wicket partnership between Sanath Jayasuriya (27) and Kumara Sangakkara (43), but once the spinners got in, they were once again sent on back foot and failed to recover from there. Rahul Dravid was chosen the Man of the Match for his 63-ball 85, which included eight 4s and one 6. The second match will be played at Mohali on October 28. Brief scores: India 350 for 6 (Tendulkar 93, Dravid 85*, Pathan 84) beat Sri Lanka 198 (Sangakkara 43, Harbhajan 3-34) by 152 runs.