Commonwealth Bank Series, 2011-12

For the second time in three days Dhoni was saddled with the task of rescuing India at the death. The required boundary off the last ball proved a task too great when Malinga speared it in wide on a full length. Instead, Dhoni flayed it over extra cover's head, and scampered three with Yadav to produce the first tie in 131 one-day internationals between the teams. The result heaped scrutiny on umpire Nigel Llong, who had inadvertently ended the 30th over of India's innings after five deliveries. Sri Lanka had looked poised for more than 250 until three wickets fell in the batting powerplay, and only 64 were scored in the last 14 overs. Gambhir was then one of four Indians to be run out, though his second successive score in the nineties ensured he left them well placed. Jayawardene's strangling fields meant India needed 24 from two overs, butMathews's uncharacteristic lack of composure with the ball reduced that to nine from the last - when the scene was set once more for Dhoni.

Man of the Match: M. S. Dhoni.
Attendance: 5,739.