Virat Kohli’s century propelled India to a strong 373 for seven before express bowler Umran Malik’s career-best three-wicket haul enabled the Men in Blue to restrict Sri Lanka for 306 for eight.
Virat Kohli’s 45th hundred in the 50- over format propelled India to a satisfying 67- run palm in the first of the three- match ODI series against Sri Lanka at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium then on Tuesday.
Piecemeal from Kohli, who scored his third ODI century in the megacity and alternate consecutive bone at the venue, captain Rohit Sharma and his opening mate Shubman Gill got fifties on a batters ’ paradise as India, fitted , posted a strong 373 for seven.
Express bowler Umran Malik’s career-stylish three- gate haul enabled India to circumscribe Sri Lanka for 306 for eight despite commander Dasun Shanaka’s recalcitrant unbeaten hundred( 108n.o., 88b, 12×4, 3×6) and Pathum Nissanka’s half- century.
While laying a solid foundation with a century cooperation, the Indian openers entertained the observers.
Seasoned pro Rohit( 83, 67b, 9×4, 3×6) ruled the onside with his exquisite pulls, whereas youthful gun Gill( 70, 60b, 11×4) patronize over the off- side with his immaculate cuts and punches. latterly, the two showed their authority on the other half of the field.
After Rohit and Gill survived lbw prayers against baits, Shanaka handed the advance with his medium pace in the 20th over.
Rohit departed inside- edging one on to his wholes to give debutant left- arm attachment Dilshan Madushanka his demoiselle gate.
Taking charge, Kohli( 113, 87b, 12×4, 1×6) used his sharp eyes and smart cricketing brain to substantially work the ball around in the first half of his innings.
Following a 40- run stage with Shreyas Iyer, Kohli – who showcased his estimable drives on the on- side, including a sweet six, and straight down the ground besides some lovely cuts – banded with KL Rahul( 39, 29b, 4×4, 1×6) to handle the middle- overs well.
They combined big shots with change of strike to add 90 runs.
Kohli, dropped doubly out Kasun Rajitha, subsidized on the guests ’ largesse and scored his alternate successive ODI hundred. It was his 73rd transnational century.
Rajitha redeemed some pride as Kohli skied a slower delivery to be caught behind in the 49th over.
Sri Lanka, which denied India a 400- plus total, plodded in its reply as the home bellwethers tasted success to minimize the effect of dew.
Mohammed Siraj claimed Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis in back- to- back overs and Umran reckoned for Charith Asalanka inside 15 overs.
Nissanka( 72, 80b, 11×4) consolidated the Lankan innings by forging a 72- run stage with Dhananjaya De Silva( 47, 40b, 9×4).
Mohammed Shami celebrated his return by dismissing Dhananjaya with brio and movement.
Bowling presto, Umran removed Nissanka in the 31st over to draw life out of Sri Lanka’s chase and secured Dunith Wellalage’s gate to mark a fruitful spin.
Shanaka achieved a estimable century in the penultimate ball and stood for an unbroken 100- run stage with Rajitha. Know More Cricket News…
