The first one-dayer between India and Sri Lanka in Dambulla turned out to be an insipid affair. Never once did India look lost in their run chase and barring Tendulkar, every batsman made a contribution in India’s success. Sri Lanka’s middle order problems continued; and they failed to capitalize the good start they got.

The great Sanath Jayasuriya underlined the fact that he enjoys palying against India, against whom he has scored some of his best limited-over knocks. The Indian bowlers did well by not allowing him to be his usual self; and yet he finished only a shade under run-a-ball.

However, the greatest achievement for India in this match is the way they handled Murali and Mendis. While the former has been India’s nemesis for quite some time, the latter has been following in his footsteps and collecting bagful of wickets. Who could forget how he single-handedly destroyed the formidable Indian line-up in the Asia cup finals last year, with 6/13? And yet, both were unable to stop the methodical Indian batting from stealing away the match.

Let us hope that the Indians will retain their form for the rest of the series; and do not allow either of the two spinners to dominate them. Both are quite capable of putting an entire batting line-up under pressure; and just a taste of success once is enough for them to getinto the groove.