Yuvraj helps India to a competitive 256 for nine

Colombo, Jan 31 (PTI) Stylish middle order batsman Yuvraj Singh struck a matured half-century to guide India to a competitive 256 for nine wickets against Sri Lanka in the second one-dayer here today. Yuvraj top-scored with 66 off 88 balls and stitched together a 85-run fourth wicket partnership with Suresh Raina (29) to stabilise the Indian innings after the first three wickets fell within 13 overs. Virender Sehwag (42) was his usual aggressuve self at the top of the order but the Indians were hit hard by some dubious umpiring decisions, Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh being at the receiving end. Spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan Murali, who needs two wickets to become the highest-wickettaker in the ODIs, returned empty handed and Ajantha Mendis managed only two tail-enders. Both Yuvraj and Sachin Tendulkar (6) were ruled leg before wicket though the television replays showed that they were distinctly unlucky. Yuvraj was ruled leg before wicket when he got on the back foot to work a Nuwan Kalusekara delivery towards square leg. The umpire failed to spot a big inside edge onto Yuvraj's pads and, though he took some time, ended up raising his finger to leave everyone surprised and Yuvraj distraught. Yuvraj smashed seven hits to the fence and a towering six during his stint in the middle. PTI

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