Sehwag smashes India back into ODI series

Sri Lanka – Virender Sehwag smashed an unbeaten 99 off 100 balls as India came back roaring into the one-day tri-series with a convincing six-wicket win over Sri Lanka yesterday.Sehwag cracked 11 fours and two sixes as India overhauled Sri Lanka’s modest total of 170 in the 35th over to earn themselves a bonus point. India suffered a 200-run defeat by New Zealand in their opening match last week.Sehwag hit Suraj Randiv for a six with the final delivery of the match but was denied a century after the umpire signalled no-ball.India lost their way chasing Sri Lanka’s total and slumped to 91-4 before captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (23 not out) helped Sehwag add 80 off  79 balls in an unbroken fifth wicket partnership to steer them to victory.Sri Lanka were outplayed by a good all-round performance by India who kept the pressure on the hosts throughout their innings after Praveen Kumar bowled Upul Tharanga first ball.Only Tillakaratne Dilshan (45) and Randiv (43) made any impression against India’s disciplined bowling and fielding.Sri Lanka play New Zealand on Thursday. (Reuters)