India posted their higest-ever one-day total of 414, but a rampaging Sri Lanka very nearly pulled off a sensational victory before losing their way in the fag end to give the hosts a narrow three-run victory in a high-scoring thriller here today.
After the Indians rattled up 414 of 7, built around Virender Sehwag's 146, Tillkaratne Dilshan (160) and Kumar Sangakkara (90 off 43 balls) launched a ruthless assault; but the Indian bowlers held their nerve to eventually scamper home and give the home team a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
The Madhavrao Scindia stadium turned out to be a batting paradise, with over 825 runs being scored; and India would consider themselves a trifle lucky to escape with a win despite the sloppy fielding and the erratic bowling.
It was only the second time that more than 800 runs were scored in a one-day match. The match between Australia and South Africa in Johannesburg in 2006 had produced 872 runs, which is the highest so far.
The islanders needed 22 runs off 19 balls with five wickets intact in the tense, dying moments of the game, but Angelo Mathews and Thilina Kandamby got a little jittery, and were unable to take their team to victory. The Lankans scored 411 for eight.
Apart from Sehwag's blistering knock, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (72) and Sachin Tendulkar (69) were the other notable contributors in India's record total.
