On this day in 2010: VVS Laxman pulls off an epic chase against Sri Lanka

VVS Laxman was one of the finest cricketers of his generation and probably the most eye-pleasing stroke-maker in his prime. He had an unrivalled onside game with those gifted wristy hands of his and was equally mesmerizing with his shots on the offside.

The middle-order batter was often India’s saviour in tough circumstances and on this day in 2010, he once again stood tall for the Indian team as they completed a series-levelling victory against hosts Sri Lanka in a thrilling third Test at Colombo.

The hosts batted first in the series-deciding Test and registered an impressive total of 425 runs in the first innings. Indian in their reply surpassed their tally by 11 runs, finishing with 436 runs on the board on the back of a typically aggressive century from Virender Sehwag and half centuries from VVS Laxman and Suresh Raina.

India were set a tricky target of 257 runs after the hosts were dismissed for 267 runs in the third innings after the Indian spinner spun a web around the Lankan batters. India’s chase was off to a nervy start as they lost their top three batters inside 50 runs and were in a precarious situation.

After the dismissal of night watchman Ishan Sharma, batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar was joined by VVS Laxman at the crease and the duo caressed the Sri Lankan bowlers on their way to a 109-run stand for the fifth wicket. But the departure of Tendulkar made the Indian dressing room nervous with the visitors still requiring 86 runs to win the match.

Laxman once again steadied the ship for Indian and showcased his immense temperament with a gritty unbeaten 103 as India got home with five wickets to spare after some lusty blows from Suresh Raina in the end. India levelled the three-match Test series on the back of the win.