Sehwag belts unbeaten 99 to steer India to victory

DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka, (Reuters) – 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 an embarrassing 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 a 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 next play New Zealand on Thursday.