Third Test, Colombo (P Sara Oval) (day five, close):
India (436 & 258-6) beat Sri Lanka (425 & 267) by five wickets
Match scorecard

Laxman reached his 16th Test century from 146 balls

VVS Laxman's 16th Test century ensured India won the third and final Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo by five wickets to level the series at 1-1.

India began the final day on 53-3, chasing 257 to win, and lost nightwatchman Ishant Sharma early on.

But Sachin Tendulkar (54) and Laxman added 109 for the fifth wicket.

Although Tendulkar fell to Suraj Randiv (5-82), Laxman (103 not out) was joined by Suresh Raina, who smashed 41 not out and won the game by hitting a six.

Laxman's knock was all the more impressive as he was suffering from back spasms and had to use opener Virender Sehwag as a runner.

India came into the final day needing 204 to win, and their already perilous overnight position grew worse when Sharma flicked a Randiv delivery straight to Kumar Sangakkara at short mid-wicket.

Sri Lanka missed a good chance to turn the screw further when Tendulkar, playing in his record 169th Test, was dropped by Tillakaratne Dilshan at short-leg with only 18 runs to his name.

India made the most of this reprieve, with the stand between Tendulkar and Laxman turning the match.

Tendulkar reached his 56th Test 50 in the last over before lunch, with Laxman also reaching the half-century mark immediately after the restart.

606: DEBATE Laxman is a legend in pressure situations, especially in 3rd and 4th innings of a Test match Munna Bhai

The partnership came to an end when Tendulkar was caught behind attempting a sweep shot, helping Randiv claim his first five-wicket haul in only his second Test.

But Suresh Raina took the game to Sri Lanka, particularly against the spinners, and lofted Dilshan over mid-wicket to reduce the target to 50.

With victory in sight, both batsmen upped the scoring rate.

Laxman's 16th Test century was reached with back-to-back boundaries off Ajantha Mendis, and shortly afterwards Raina sealed the win with a six over mid-wicket off the bowling of Chanaka Welegedara.

Afterwards, man of the match Laxman said he was proud of his achievements.

"It gives you a great feeling if you deliver when your team requires you the most. (Coach) Gary Kirsten told me in the morning that here is another opportunity for you to do it for Team India," he said.

Lots of things were said about our bowling attack after the first Test... Our batsmen also faced criticism for not stepping up to handle the pressure Mahendra Dhoni

He also paid tribute to Teundulkar for helping him with the match-saving partnership.

"It was crucial as it helped to get the momentum back to our side," he said.

"After two Tests the team pulled it back. The bowlers helped us to get back into the match on the second day. It was a team effort that helped us achieve this great victory."

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was also keen to see the bowlers given their due.

"Lots of things were said about our bowling attack after the first Test," he said.

"Our batsmen also faced criticism for not stepping up to handle the pressure. But our bowlers did a great job."

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