India skittles Sri Lanka for 142 in Dambulla ODI

The Dambulla wicket is known for producing low scoring games and it lived up to the reputation as India bowled out the Sri Lankans for 142 runs in less than 39 overs in the second one-day international at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium here Wednesday.

The strong winds here in Dambulla ground, aided by the adjoining ancient Ibankatuwa tank, encourages swing bowling.

The left-arm seamer Zaheer's initial spell of eight overs in the morning gave Indians the edge as he claimed the wickets of Sanath Jayasuriya (13), Kumar Sangakkara (2), Mahela Jayawardene (2) and Chamara Kapugedara (0) to swing the game in India's favour.

Bowling from the Press Box End, with the wind behind his arm, Zaheer got one to seam back which had Sangakkara's off stump disturbed. He then claimed the wicket of captain Jayawardene with a full delivery that took the outside edge and flew to first slip where Yuvraj Singh juggled and took the catch. Kapugedara became Zaheer's next victim when he edged one to M.S. Dhoni behind the stumps.

Praveen Kumar was brought in place of left arm spinner Pragyan Ojha, and he pushed the Sri Lankans further by claiming Chamara Silva for no score to leave the host in tatters at 11 for four at the end of the seventh over.

Sri Lanka had moved up to 33 before Zaheer struck with the prize scalp of the dangerous Sanath Jayasuriya when the left-hander shuffled across and was ruled leg before wicket.

Irfan Pathan came on and picked up the last recognised batsman Tillekeratne Dilshan for 16 before the tail wagged.

Nuwan Kulasekara added 74 runs in 95 balls with Thilan Tushara Mirando taking the total past 100. Mirando top scored for the Sri Lankans with a career best 44 in 46 balls with seven boundaries while Kulasekara went on to score 25 in 62 balls with the help of two boundaries.