India's High-Dramatic Chase Built Around Gambhir’s Hundred | Raina–Irfan’s Rescue Act

Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @cricketmax87   Sri Lanka’s remarkable run of 28 consecutive home ODI wins when scoring 250 or more batting first finally came to an end in a dramatic run chase at the R Premadasa Stadium, as India pulled off one of their finest overseas ODI victories to take a 2–1 lead in the five-match series. Batting first, Sri Lanka recovered from an early collapse of 20 for 3 thanks to a superb 121-run fourth-wicket partnership between Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. Just when India seemed back in control after Sangakkara’s dismissal, Angelo Mathews and Jeevan Mendis unleashed a brutal assault at the death, adding 104 runs and pushing Sri Lanka to a formidable 286 — once again exposing India’s long-standing weakness in slog overs. India’s chase began steadily and was anchored by a beautifully paced century from Gautam Gambhir, his sixth ODI hundred against Sri Lanka. After Virender Sehwag’s early dismissal, Gambhir and Virat Kohli stitched together a fluent partnership that appeared to have India cruising. But the match turned sharply when Lasith Malinga struck twice with the first two balls of the batting Powerplay, followed soon after by Gambhir’s run-out, plunging India into chaos. With 91 required off 12 overs and little batting left, the pressure was immense. What followed was a nerveless, game-changing partnership between Suresh Raina and Irfan Pathan. Taking advantage of Malinga being held back, the pair scrambled runs, rode their luck, and then counterattacked. Raina’s trademark six over long-on off Malinga brought up a stunning half-century and decisively swung momentum back India’s way. India crossed the line to complete the highest successful run chase against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka, ending a historic streak and producing one of the most thrilling India–Sri Lanka ODIs ever played at Premadasa. A match remembered for momentum swings, pressure moments, tactical calls, and three left-handers who delivered when it mattered most. #gg #indvssl #cricketmax #h