Samaraweera fifty in vain

The only question at the start of the day was how long Sri Lanka would delay defeat. Thilan Samaraweera resisted the inevitable with an assured half-century but it was always just a matter of time before India wrapped up the game.

He was the main feature of Sri Lanka's rescue mission, as they batted positively, adding 149 runs in the first session. Samaraweera was involved in two fighting partnerships with Prasanna Jayawardene and Ajantha Mendis, as India neared frustration.

Samaraweera proceeded to stitch together a 61-run partnership with Prasanna for the sixth wicket. Samaraweera was looking good with his cuts and sweeps but lost his partner before the lunch session.

Samaraweera then added 73 runs with a determined Ajantha Mendis to frustrate India, was rarely troubled during his stay, the highlight of which was a whippy on-drive to a delivery on off and middle stump from Sreesanth. He rarely looked hurried, tackled the spinners and seamers and unfurled several pleasing on drives. But his unbeaten 78 off 123 balls, studded with 11 fours, had perhaps come a little too late.