Suresh Raina congratulates Gautam Gambhir on his half century

Sanath Jayasuriya's 28th one-day international century proved in vain as India secured a six-wicket win in the first match with Sri Lanka in Dambulla.

Jayasuriya, 39, became only the second player to pass 13,000 runs in one-day internationals during his innings.

Kumar Sangakkara added 44 as Sri Lanka made 246-7 in difficult conditions.

But Gautam Gambhir (62) and Suresh Raina put on 113 for the second wicket and Mahendra Dhoni hit an unbeaten 61 as India got home with 11 balls left.

The result was harsh on Jayasuriya who at 39 years and 212 days became the oldest centurion in one-day internationals, passing Geoff Boycott's record of 39 years and 51 days set against Australia in Sydney in 1979.

Sri Lanka's innings started badly when Tillakaratne Dilshan was run out for a duck in the first over, but Jayasuriya and Sangakkara put on 118 for the second wicket and the hosts looked set for a large total.

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Skipper Mahela Jayawardene fell for just 11 and Farveez Maharoof chipped in with 35 but paceman Ishant Sharma grabbed three wickets to peg Sri Lanka back.

India's reply started badly when Sachin Tendulkar was given out lbw to an inswinger from Thilina Thushara that pitched outside leg-stump.

That was counter-balanced by a reprieve for Gambhir, who was lucky to get the benefit of the doubt after a caught and bowled decision was referred to the TV umpire.

And when Raina was then dropped by Dilshan, it proved to be a costly mistake as he and Gambhir took control.

Sri Lanka finally dismissed them both but then Dhoni took command to see his side to victory.

The second match of the five-game series is in Colombo on Saturday.

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