5 Brilliant centuries while chasing, in a losing cause

2. Tilakratne Dilshan: 160 off 124 balls, v/s India at Rajkot, 2009

The Indian top order dominated their 50 overs, as the Indians were past 300 by the 35^th over on flat Rajkot wicket, thanks to a blitzkrieg century by the Nawab of Najafgarh, Virendra Sehwag. The lower order too chipped in as India posted mammoth 414 and Sangakkara almost immediately regretted his decision of putting India into bat.

Dilshan kickstarted the Sri Lankan chase in emphatic fashion, driving, scooping and everything in between he never let the asking rate get out of reach. He went about his business and the score of 414 looked like it would be breached that day. He got enough support from Tharanga and Sangakkara that kept the Lankans always in the hunt. His partners fell but Dilshan continued his onslaught and eyeing a famous win for his country. Lanka needed 76 off the last 11 overs, quite achievable when you have 7 wickets in hand but the Turbanator from India, Harbhajan Singh, beat Dilshan through the air and bowled him bringing India right back in the game.

After Dilshan’s departure, some late hitting got Sri Lanka almost over the line, but a brilliant catch by Sachin Tendulkar in the last over denied Angelo Mathews from a famous win as Sri Lanka fell short by merely 3 runs.