Colombo: Deepak Chahar scored a maiden half-century batting at No. 8 to guide India to a three-wicket win over Sri Lanka on Tuesday in the second one-day international and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Batting first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka made a competitive 275 for 9 in 50 overs. In reply, India reached 277 for 7 with five deliveries to spare. India lost seven wickets for 193 runs during their chase and looked in danger of defeat but Chahar paired with Bhuvneshwar Kumar (19 not out) for an undefeated 84-run stand for the eighth wicket to ensure victory.
Chahar, playing only his fifth ODI, remained unbeaten on 69 off 82 deliveries with seven boundaries and one six. Earlier, Chahar also shone with the ball taking two wickets for 53 runs in eight overs in Sri Lanka’s innings and was named player of the match. Kumar took 3-54 off 10 overs.
Suryakumar Yadav also made his maiden ODI half-century for India. His 53 runs off 44 deliveries included six boundaries.
It was Sri Lanka’s 10th successive ODI series loss to India as hosts.
Sri Lankan leg spin bowler Wanindu Hasaranga had impressive bowling figures of 3-37 off 10 overs. Charith Asalanka also made his maiden ODI half-century earlier for Sri Lanka, scoring 65 runs including six boundaries. Leg spin bowler Yuzvendra Chahal had the best bowling figures for India, taking 3-50 off 10 overs.
The final match of the series will be played on Friday.