Sri Lanka vs India, 1st ODI at Hambantota, , Jul 21 2012 - Ball by Ball Commentary

Sri Lanka would have had India a little unsettled when Perera and Sangakkara were going strong, but the asking rate was climbing consistently. Under those circumstances, with only one partnership giving them a realistic shot, India were favourites. Dilshan fell early and Sangakkara and Tharanga couldn't really push on given the asking rate. Sanga got a century, but the acceleration should have come much earlier than it did. India will be happy with the win, coming after a longish break. Abhishek Purohit's match report should be getting updated. I'll join you at the presentation.

Time for the presentation after a longish break. There are several awards including one for the partnership of the match etc. Virat Kohli is Man of the Match for his century.

Kohli: "God's been kind, I've been working hard. Hopefully I can be consistent for the team this season. Performing for my country is the biggest thing for me, and I try to give my best out there for the team. Doing well in Australia really boosted my confidence, and that Test hundred really helped."

Jayawardene: "We've got some big-hitters at the end, but we left too much for them to do. Too many mistakes, against a quality side like India. It was important for us to set up a platform, Sanga was trying to build an innings. We never had momentum going into the last 10 overs. We'll try to refocus and come back strong. Kulasekara and Lasith are two big guys I rely on during the Powerplays, but we need to improve our standards in the field."

Dhoni: "The death bowling for us needs to improve. Zak was good, one good positive was Irfan Pathan doing well. Without Jadeja or Yuvraj, it is difficult to make a side balanced in both departments so this was important. It's a good learning experience for the younger bowlers. Gautam was unfortunate to get out in that fashion. Sehwag and Kohli batted very well, we are lacking a bit of firepower down the line. Once the batsmen who are set carry on, then me, and the likes of Raina can go and express ourselves. This was one game where I felt the toss would be crucial. In the second innings, there was variable bounce and it was a little difficult to bat on."

That's it, folks. At The Oval, South Africa are in the ascendancy. Join us again on the 24th for the next match, to be held at the same venue. See you then. Thanks, and goodbye.

Irfan has finished a good comeback spell, Umesh to finish the game now

Irfan goes round the wicket

Yes, Kulasekara is walking in

42 off 12, safe to say it's heading one way now, that too with just one, effectively, left. Irfan to bowl

Malinga's walking in, this could just be the last wicket. Kulasekara's injury may just not allow him to bat tonight

He walks back with 133 to his name but could he have stepped up much earlier than he did? His innings slowed down considerably at one stage. Kulasekara's not in, his injury has prevented him from coming out at No.9. It's Herath who walks in

46 needed off three, Umesh runs in

India would have loved that wicket, but just seven came off that over.