Ahmedabad, Dec 21: India put themselves on the threshold of another resounding victory here today leaving Sri Lankan tailenders with a Herculean task of batting out the entire fifth day to save the third and final cricket Test. Set a near-impossible target of 509 runs for victory, the visitors put up a far better display with the bat but it was still not enough to prevent what appeared an imminent Indian victory, which would give them a 2-0 verdict in the three-match series. The Lankans were battling at 235 for six at stumps on the fourth day at the Motera ground, with lefthander Jehan Mubarak (18) and Farveez Maharoof (2) at the crease.

'Katradhu Tamizh' Ram's next Diwali in Suburbs Rajini Still In A Dilemma! அஜீத் பேட்டி? ராம் இயக்கத்தில் சேரன்? கமல் பாராட்டிய டைட்டில்்

It would need a miracle to save the Lankans as they have to bat out 90 overs to escape with a draw, but the series, which India lead 1-0, is as good as lost for the Lankans. Lanka, who started their run-chase before lunch after India declared their second innings at 316 for nine, recovered from another batting collapse triggered by 100-Test hero Anil Kumble to move from 96 for 4 to 201 for five. Kumble's brilliant triple strike in the space of only 16 balls had left the tourists tottering midway through the post-lunch session when Mahela Jayawardene (57) and Tilekaratne Dilshan (65) got together and were involved in a century stand for the fifth wicket.

Earlier, first innings bowling hero Harbhajan Singh gave an early breakthrough when Sri Lanka began their second innings by getting rid of captain Marvan Atapattu for the second time in the match to a bat-pad catch in the leg trap taken by Mohd Kaif. 

The Lanka skipper made 16. It was then the turn of Kumble to hold centre stage with a deadly spell of 16-4-35-3 to raise hopes of a massive Indian victory. 

The 35-year-old wily campaigner, who played second fiddle to his younger partner Harbhajan when the off spinner grabbed 7 for 62 in Lanka's first innings, picked up the wickets of left-handed opener Upul Tharanga (47), wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara (17) and Thilan Samaraweera (5) in his 11th, 13th and 14th overs. For India, Kumble was the most successful bowler of the day with three for 86 while Agarkar, Pathan and Harbhajan got a wicket each. (Agencies)

Published: Wednesday, December 21, 2005