::Get The News Of Cricket Right Here::: India fightback to level series at 1-1

India levelled the five-match one-day series with Sri Lanka with a tense, three-wicket victory in a low-scoring second one-day international on Wednesday. left-arm fast bowler Zaheer Khan claimed four for 21 to bowl out Sri Lanka for a paltry 142 in 38.3 overs in the morning.

               Chasing 143 for victory, At one stage, as India slumped to 75 for five, Sri Lanka looked capable of pulling off a shock victory but Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni settled the visitor's nerves, leading from the front with his 39 off 54 balls. Dhoni added 60 with S. Badrinath, who scored a composed 27 from 57 balls on his debut.

               Earlier, Khan had ripped through the top order with the new ball after India won the toss, dismissing Kumar Sangakarra (two), skipper Mahela Jayawardene (two), Chamara Kapugedera (nought) and explosive opener Sanath Jayasuriya (13). Sri Lanka, who had been 1-0 up after an eight-wicket win on Monday, were reduced to 33 for four and later 44 for six. Lower order batsman Thilan Thushara provided some resistance, top-scoring with 44 from 46 balls including seven boundaries and adding 74 runs for the seventh wicket with Nuwan Kulasekera (25). Khan was supported by seamer Praveen Kumar, playing instead of left-arm spinner Pragyan Ohja, who took three for 34.

                          Although Sri Lanka pressed hard, chopping and changing their bowlers in pursuit of wickets, Dhoni and Badrinath were able to guide India a victory.

                      With only eight required for the win, Dhoni was bowled by Dilhara Fernando and then spinner Ajantha Mendis, who finished with two for 22, trapped Harbhajan Singh (one) lbw to leave India on 139 for seven.

                   However, Badrinath and Zaheer Khan (two not out) pushed India past the winning line.
Young opener Virat Kohli also impressed for India with a skilful and mature 37.