The three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka started today at Barsapara Stadium, where the home team smashed Sri Lanka by 67 runs. Virat Kohli scored a brilliant century tonight to beat the Lankans.
Toss: Dasun Shanaka, the captain of Sri Lanka, won the toss and decided to bowl first.
India have a flying start
After losing the toss, India started the innings as Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill came into the crease. Both openers were very aggressive from the beginning of the match. Rohit Sharma, the captain, was playing more attacking than Shubman Gill.
They successfully played the powerplay without losing any wickets. Together they picked up 143 runs on the scoreboard. Their partnership was looking rock solid. But Dilshan Madushanka broke their partnership as he picked up Shubman Gill in the 20th over. However, he scored 70 runs before leaving the crease. After a while, Rohit Sharma also followed the same path after scoring 83 off 67 balls.
Virat Kohli showed his class
Virat Kohli showed his class once again. He carried the team until the last. With KL Rahul, Virat Kohli made a partnership of 190 runs. Kohli literally ruled the Lankan bowlers in this match.
Kohli played some mind-blowing cover drives. With 12 boundaries and one over the boundary, Kohli scored the highest 113 runs for India. Relying on his bat, India scored massive 373 runs in 50 overs.
Sri Lanka’s starting was shaky
Chasing the massive target, Sri Lanka failed to get a good start. They lost their first wicket in the 4th over as Mohammad Siraj picked up Avishka Fernando. Kusal Mendis, the following batter, had gone duck in this match.
However, Pathum Nissanka tried hard to make resistance with Charith Asalanka. Unfortunately, they couldn’t make their partnership more than 41 runs. Asalanka scored 23 runs and Pathum Nissanka added 72 runs before losing their wickets.
After that, Dhananjaya De Silva and Dasun Shanaka took responsibility. Sri Lanka were looking good relying on their bat. Unfortunately, Dhananjaya De Silva lost his wicket, scoring 47 runs.
On the other hand, the Lankan captain fought alone. After getting the half-century, he didn’t miss the century as well. Despite his brilliant unbeaten 108 runs, Sri Lanka’s innings ended in 306 runs. As a result, India won the match by 67 runs and have taken the lead in the series.
