India leveled the five-match one-day series with Sri Lanka with a tense, three-wicket victory in a low-scoring second One-Day International on Wednesday. Indian left-arm fast bowler Zaheer Khan claimed four for 21 to bowl out Sri Lanka for a paltry 142 in 38.3 overs in the morning. At one stage, as India slumped to 75 for five, Sri Lanka looked capable of pulling off a shock victory but Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni settled the visitors' nerves, leading from the front with his 39 off 54 balls. Dhoni added 60 with S. Badrinath, who scored a composed 27 from 57 balls on his debut. With only eight required for the win, Dhoni was bowled by Dilhara Fernando and then spinner Ajantha Mendis, who finished with two for 22, trapped Harbhajan Singh (one) lbw to leave India on 139 for seven. However, Badrinath and Zaheer Khan (two not out) pushed India past the winning line. Young opener Virat Kohli also impressed for India with a skilfull and mature 37. Earlier, Khan had ripped through the Sri Lankan top order with the new ball after India won the toss, dismissing Kumar Sangakarra (two), skipper Mahela Jayawardene (two), Chamara Kapugedera (nought) and explosive opener Sanath Jayasuriya (13). Sri Lanka, which had been 1-0 up after an eight-wicket win on Monday, was reduced to 33 for four and later 44 for six. Lower order batsman Thilan Thushara provided some resistance, top-scoring with 44 from 46 balls including seven boundaries and adding 74 runs for the seventh wicket with Nuwan Kulasekera (25). Khan was supported by seamer Praveen Kumar, playing instead of left-arm spinner Pragyan Ohja, who took three for 34. Sri Lanka's problems started early when Khan produced a beautiful delivery in his first over that cut back off the seam and hit the top of Sangakkara's off stump. Khan struck a double blow in his third over, forcing Jayawardene to edge a catch to Yuvraj Singh at first slip before Kapugedera edged to the keeper. Chamara Silva lasted two balls before Kumar had him caught at backward point off a delivery that went off the bat shoulder. Jayasuriya hinted at a recovery before being dubiously adjudged leg before. Thushara and Kulasekera provided the best partnership of the innings. However, when Thushara was caught in the deep off a slower ball from Kumar, the innings quickly subsided.
