Christmas Eve at Eden was about three youngsters and one a touch older. Upul Tharanga, Suranga Lakmal, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir enhanced their reputations. It was a pity only two of them ended on the winning side but the outcome of the match should take nothing away from the character they
showed as India clinched the five-match series with one game to spare.
For the first time in four matches an even contest between bat and ball was on display. And even though the willow had a slight edge, especially in the second session because dew made it difficult for bowlers to grip the ball, the medium-pacers had their share of dominance early in both innings.
It was difficult to understand Kumar Sangakkara's decision to bat first, especially after he got a decent feel of the conditions in this part of the country at Cuttack.
Tharanga scored his seventh ODI ton to take Sri Lanka past the 300-run mark and rookie pacer Lakmal, who made his debut in the second match of the series in Nagpur, gave the visitors the start they were looking for. Handed the new ball for the first time, along with debutant Thissara Perera, 22-year-old Lakmal spat fire, beating openers Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar on more than one occasion and ultimately dismissing both.
Sri Lanka saw a window of opportunity open but this time a youngster from Delhi, 21-year-old Virat Kohli, picked up the challenge.
With his senior state teammate Gautam Gambhir at the other end, Kohli, shone bright amid a floodlight snag and an increasing haze that made it difficult for fielders to pick up the ball difficult from the stands.
Together, the Delhi duo made a chase of 316 look easy, making it the highest successful chase at the ground.
It was important for Gambhir to stay on as long as possible with Suresh Raina being the only other middle-order batsman with some experience, to follow.
Gambhir not only ensured that ensured the asking rate was always within reach.
The two brought up a 200-run partnership in more than a run-a-ball to bat Sri Lanka out of the series.
Gambhir and Kohli got to triple figures with singles off successive deliveries, and received a standing ovation from an enthralled crowd at Eden Gardens.