Sri Lanka secured a thumping victory by 9 wickets over visitors India in the second ODI of the five-match ODI series and have leveled it 1-1.

Indian batsmen never did find the quality fast bowling attack of the trio Mathews, Perera and Lasith Malinga comfortable and ultimately ended up in making just 138 runs in 33.3 overs.

Sri Lankan openers Upul Tharanga (59 not out) and Tilakaratne Dilshan (50) posted a strong partnership which helped the hosts to reach the target in just 19.5 overs. Dilshan was caught behind by Dhoni off Ashwin's bowling and later Dinesh Chandimal came to the crease juts to finish off the formalities.

Indian openers Sehwag and Gambhir got off to a flying start scoring 31 runs from the first three overs. The next which happened was a disappointing batting collapse.  Gambhir was the lone hero for India who fought hard to get 65 runs off 158 balls.

Perera opened the account through Sehwag's wicket dismissing him at 15. The first ODI's centurion Virat Kohli took not time to walk in and out of the pitch after losing his wicket to Perera for 6.

Mathews easily cleared the new comer to the crease Rohit Sharma before scoring nothing. Suresh Raia, who is considered to be a finisher also disappointed getting out on 1. Dhoni, was cleaned up Mathews when he seemed to have got his anchors in place.

Irfan Pathan, who, at times saves India with some useful runs down the order was also sent back to the pavilion after scoring just 6. With wickets falling at one end, Gautam Gambhir was looking out for a partner who could stay along with him for a while.

Ravichandran Ashwin gave a bit of hope with his hard hitting, but couldn't continue for long at the crease. Ashiwn was unfortunate to be run out after scoring useful 21 runs off 19 balls. The tail end was easily washed away by the Lankan bowlers.

Indians have once again proved their inability to score consistently on green-top pitches The Hambantota pitch had greens over the top which made the ball swing and assisted quality fast bowling well.

Image source : espncricinfo.com

Tags: India vs Sri Lanka ODI tour 2012 | Sri Lanka beat India by 9 wickets level series 1-1 | Sri Lanka vs India 2012 2nd ODI 2012