Tendulkar brings up 44th ODI century, India set 320-run target

COLOMBO - Sachin Tendulkar (138) cracked his 44th One-day International century as India piled up 319 for five wickets against Sri Lanka in the Compaq Cup tri-series final at the R.Premadasa Stadium here Monday.

Indians, who were handed their worst defeat in Sri Lanka by the hosts in the previous match Saturday, were quick to opt for batting after winning the toss, which captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni had declared on the eve of final would be a crucial factor.

India made a change in its playing XI replacing Dinesh Karthik, who opened the innings in the first two matches, with Virat Kohli who flew in here in place of injured Gautam Gamhir.

In the absence of a suitable partner for Tendulkar up the order, it was veteran Rahul Dravid who was promoted to the opening slot and he sure fitted the bill.

The two added 91 runs for the opening stand with Dravid (39), making a comeback to ODIs after two years, comfortably donning the role of a second foil. Tendulkar’s half century came in 47 balls and included six fours.

It was Sanath Jayasuriya who got the breakthrough for the hosts, when Dravid misread a slower delivery to hole out a catch to Tillakaratne Dilshan. Dravid’s 56-ball innings included two fours and a six.

Dhoni, who followed next, kept up the run flow. Tendulkar’s ton came in 33rd over and included eight fours. But with the century came cramps and Dravid had to return to the field, this time as a runner for Tendulkar.

Tendulkar stitched a 110-run partnership with Dhoni, who after a making a 62-ball 56 was being caught by Thilina Kandamby in the 37th over.

Tendulkar then joined forces with Yuvraj Singh (56 not out) and it looked that the Indian batting maestro will carry his bat through, but was trapped lbw by Ajantha Mendis in the last ball of the 46th over. His scintillating innings was studded with 10 fours and a six.

Yuvraj cut loose in last four overs piling 42 runs as India coasted to a competitive total.