SL left India to climb

India's batsmen were handed a challenge to get a series level win in the final Test after Sri Lanka fought on Friday. India made target of 257 in their second innings. Randiv dismissed opener Murali Vijay for 27 to a catch by Mahela Jayawardene. Sachin Tendulkar, the world's leading run getter playing his 169th Test match, kept India's hopes alive with unbeaten 11. Sri Lanka made 267 in their second innings after a century partnership between Thilan and Ajantha Mendis.

Samaraweera added 38 runs with Lasith Malinga (15) and withstood of 118 with Mendis (78). Mendis hit 10 boundaries and a six in his half century. India's three spinners, Ojha, Mishra and Sehwag, claimed 3 wickets each. It was the Sri Lankan captain's first failure in the series after making 103 in the first Test, 219 and 42 not out in the second and 75 in the first innings of final Test.