Dhoni leads India to opening win

Dambulla witnessed a strange game today. For the first time there were decent batting scores and more so an Indian team chased the highest target at the ground with relative ease.

Jayasuriya's hundred making him the oldest player to score an ODI hundred was in vain although he did win the man of the match award. This was perhaps in recognition of the fact that was it not his score then the Sri-Lankan's final score would have been even lower. In my preview blog I mentioned that Jayawardene was due a big score but I should have put Jayasuriya as well. Usually his hundreds lead to a Lankan win but today steady batting from India negated that.

Tendulkar's early dismassal was a harsh call from Dharmasena but I think one should allow him a leeway as he is an upcoming umpire. Perhaps Tendulkar's departure was a blessing in disguise as he looked somewhat out of touch and it brought Raina in. Gambir and Raina worked effortlessly well in pursuit of the target. I was somewhat disappointed with the way Gambir got out. It was a shot that never should have been played given that India were cruising and on another day a wicket like that could have led to a huge collapse.

Once Gambir and Raina left it was left to Yuvraj and Dhoni to finish the job and the partnership normally a reliable one was broken evenutally with Yuvraj succumbing to Maharoof. Dhoni was impressive again in the way he played the spinners. In the last ODI series in Sri-Lanka, he was instrumental then as well and his determination to win the battle against Murali and Mendis was again on show. His ability to play the ball late is certainly a gift although it remains to be seen whether he can do that on a more regular basis especially under lights which is when Mendis really shines in the ODI's.

1-0 to India and here's hoping to another win.