The world’s most successful bowler, who was eight short of the 800-wicket mark in his final appearance, trapped batting record holder Tendulkar leg-before for eight before stumps on the third day.
The blow left India on an uneasy 140 for three at close after a superb rearguard action by Sri Lanka’s tailenders helped the hosts pile up 520 for eight declared in their first innings by tea.
Virender Sehwag hit a typically robust 85 not out to keep India afloat following the cheap dismissals of opener Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid and Tendulkar in the final session of play.
Sehwag hit 14 boundaries and a six before play was called off 10.2 overs early due to bad light at the Galle International Stadium.
The sun broke for the first time in two days to allow play to begin after the entire second day had been washed out and 22 overs were lost on the first day due to heavy rain.
India’s seamers had grabbed four important wickets, three of them to the lanky Ishant Sharma, as Sri Lanka slipped from 256 for two to 344 for six before lunch.
But Rangana Herath and Lasith Malinga proved unlikely saviours with career-best scores during a rousing stand of 115 for the eighth wicket.
Herath, who had put on 49 for the seventh wicket with Prasanna Jayawardene, remained unbeaten on 80 with 10 fours and a six.
Malinga smashed nine boundaries and two sixes in a breezy 64 off 75 balls before his dismissal, which signalled the entry of Muralitharan to the crease.
Muralitharan, who retires after this Test, was welcomed to the crease by fireworks in the stands as the Indian fielders lined up to applaud him with a guard of honour.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 21st, 2010.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ