How will India manage to lose this test from a winning potion?

[Anitha]

A) Collapse to 150 all-out from 120/2 leaving Sri Lanka a total of 220 to win B) Give Sri Lanka a 300+ total to chase, have Sri Lanka at 100/8 and then fail to take last 2 wickets C) Give Sri Lanka a 400+ target to chase. Indian bowlers fail to take a single wicket and India loses by 10 wickets

[Laaloo]

C

[Anitha]

Fecking poll didn't appear

[fineleg]

In last many series, India has squandered plenty of strong positions to the opponent. They will do it this time too - only difference we cannot predict how they'll screw it up, but they will.

[kubrickian]

India will collapse around 200 and then will pick 5 wickets. After that a match winning knock by Sanga will take SL home.

[adi B]

Rain will screw us :om:

[Iconoclast]

Comfortable win for India coming up

[Vijy]

Comfortable win for India coming up

I know that many said this when Mishy and Ash were running rings around Lankans when Chandimal and Thirimanne were batting in 3rd innings of 1st Test. We may still collapse for around 170 and then see SL overhaul the target with 3-4 wkts to spare.

[sensible-indian]

I know that many said this when Mishy and Ash were running rings around Lankans when Chandimal and Thirimanne were batting in 3rd innings of 1st Test. We may still collapse for around 170 and then see SL overhaul the target with 3-4 wkts to spare.

What are India's chances according to you? Pure logic wise.

[Vijy]

What are India's chances according to you? Pure logic wise.

65-35 in favour of us, provided that there is no rain. We did very well today in blunting new ball, although I'd have preferred score to be 15-20 runs more.

[sensible-indian]

65-35 in favour of us' date=' provided that there is no rain. We did very well today in blunting new ball, although I'd have preferred score to be 15-20 runs more.[/quote'] I feel the same way. 15-20 runs is negligible considering we have 9 wickets. 30-50 runs is a different matter. I would prefer a 370-400 lead. Score 100 runs carefully and then cut loose.

[Vijy]

I feel the same way. 15-20 runs is negligible considering we have 9 wickets. 30-50 runs is a different matter. I would prefer a 370-400 lead. Score 100 runs carefully and then cut loose.

350 can be defended, given 110-115 overs. There is no ATG 4th innings specialist in the SL team like the great Younis Khan. Of course a higher score would be even better and safer.

[sensible-indian]

350 can be defended' date=' given 110-115 overs. There is no ATG 4th innings specialist in the SL team like the great Younis Khan. Of course a higher score would be even better and safer.[/quote'] Sanga is due a score and Sanga in SL can be scary. He doesn't seem to be troubled by any bowler except 1. He is still the main wicket.

[Vijy]

Sanga is due a score and Sanga in SL can be scary. He doesn't seem to be troubled by any bowler except 1. He is still the main wicket.

Statistically, he has a fairly ordinary 4th innings avg (low 40s as opposed to 55+ in 1st - 3rd). Going just by stats, he's no Younis Khan (but then, very few are). Matthews and Chandimal are equally big threats since they score positively.

[sensible-indian]

Statistically' date=' he has a fairly ordinary 4th innings avg (low 40s as opposed to 55+ in 1st - 3rd). Going just by stats, he's no Younis Khan (but then, very few are). Matthews and Chandimal are equally big threats since they score positively.[/quote'] Last test Chandimal and Lahiru could score cos there was nothing at stake. Match was gone and they started smashing and things clicked. Let's see what they do in 4th innings. Mathews is clutch and can be a threat.

[Marut]

Normally India can defend 250 in these conditions, but team India has lost the habit of winning and may find a way to lose even with a lead of 350. I won't be sure unless India leads by 400. Seeing how Sanga played after the WC, I don't think he will make 50+. But then he is playing his last innings, and has nothing to lose so we might see a Sanga special. Mathews and Chandimal are the real threat though.

[Vijy]

Last test Chandimal and Lahiru could score cos there was nothing at stake. Match was gone and they started smashing and things clicked. Let's see what they do in 4th innings. Mathews is clutch and can be a threat.

True. But then, if SL is in a desperate situation in the 4th innings (4 down for not too much), Chandimal may attempt the same approach again. As for Matthews, :hatsoff::hatsoff: - the closest we have to a Steve Waugh both in terms of lower middle-order batting and cool medium pace bowling. Yes, he's not done well in SA and Aus, if I remember correctly, but he hasn't played all that much there either. Will continue to improve over time.

[sensible-indian]

True. But then' date= if SL is in a desperate situation in the 4th innings (4 down for not too much), Chandimal may attempt the same approach again. As for Matthews, :hatsoff::hatsoff: - the closest we have to a Steve Waugh both in terms of lower middle-order batting and cool medium pace bowling. Yes, he's not done well in SA and Aus, if I remember correctly, but he hasn't played all that much there either. Will continue to improve over time.

Won't click in 4th innings. Cos he will always know the stakes at the back of his mind and mistime a shot. Sanga and Mathews are main threats. Kaushal Silva can be a thorn too but I think we can take him out.

[sensible-indian]

I feel its better to take the score out of SL's reach. No need to take risks. Hopelessness can induce false shots.

[Vijy]

Won't click in 4th innings. Cos he will always know the stakes at the back of his mind and mistime a shot. Sanga and Mathews are main threats. Kaushal Silva can be a thorn too but I think we can take him out.

He is a genuine thorn, but only insofar as a draw is concerned. As long as we bowl dry, Silva doesn't have the aggressive game to take the match away.