Commonwealth Bank Series, 2011-12

India had a claim to the moral high ground, but not victory, after they withdrew their appeal following the bowler Ashwin's run-out of Thirimanne at the non-striker's end. It happened in Sri Lanka's 40th over, with Thirimanne - whose repeated encroachment down the pitch as the bowlers entered their delivery stride prompted Ashwin's move - on 44. The appeal was withdrawn after discussion, yet Thirimanne could consider himself fortunate, especially in light of a recent ICC regulation change permitting the bowler to run out the non-striker up to the point of releasing the ball. Stand-in captain Sehwag said: "If we appealed and the umpire gave him out, then somebody will criticise that it was not [in the] spirit of the game. It's soft, but that's the way we are."

With Dhoni serving his ban for a slow over-rate, India shelved their rotation policy and played all three senior batsmen, with Gambhir pushed down to No. 3. But Kulasekara removed both him and Tendulkar after Sehwag had fallen second ball, and India - set a daunting 290 - needed 118 when they lost their last specialist, Kohli, in the first over of the batting powerplay. Pathan shone, clubbing seven fours, but ran out of partners. In two matches, India had gone from first position in the competition to last.

Man of the Match: K. M. D. N. Kulasekara.
Attendance: 5,406.