India wins first ODI after Kohli 45th century against Sri lanka
GUWAHATI: Ironically, on a day when 5G services were launched by a telecom company in the city, the media contingent at the Barsapara Stadium was welcomed by Wi-Fi connectivity. But thankfully, this was resolved when the first ODI was played between India and Sri Lanka.
However, the on-field script played to the wishes of the motley crowd, with Virat Kohli making full use of the surface belter by scoring a stunning century – his 73rd overall and 45th in ODI cricket, a format he has mastered. has received , and more importantly, kicked the monkey back with the second consecutive ton in the venue.
For the stats buffs, the batting machine is four shy of Little Master Sachin Tendulkar’s 49 ODI hundreds.
With the ODI World Cup taking place in India between October-November, it was important for the big guns of Indian cricket to make the most of the half a dozen ODIs that the team plays before the showpiece event.
Kohli made good use of the conditions thanks to a 143-run opening partnership between captain Rohit Sharma (83 off 67 balls) and Shubman Gill (70 off 60 balls), setting his sights on Sri Lanka and setting the stage. provided the right cushion for The attack, which was partially paralyzed when left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka took a desperate dive but landed awkwardly on his right shoulder.
Back after a short break from the T20I ahead of the ODI against the Islanders, the 34-year-old former captain meant business as usual as he guided the second delivery to third man for a single to get to the mark in style. . Amid loud chants from the crowd, the openers started to push India to three-digit lead by the 15th over of the innings.
Kohli’s trademark cover drives, straight drives over the bowlers’ heads, rallied the 30,000 fans at the park, and chants of the 400-plus total rose as the innings progressed. Well, India eventually finished just 27 shy of the magic mark.
Earlier, Rohit Sharma brought back memories of his aggressive 152 not out in the first ODI at the venue in 2018, hitting 83 off 67 balls with nine fours and three sixes. Sharma should be particularly pleased with his decision to prefer Gill over Ishan Kishan despite facing criticism for neglecting the southpaw after scoring a double century in the previous ODI series. Mohali boy Gill justified his selection by playing a perfect second fiddle to his captain.
In reply, Sri Lanka’s hopes of cashing in on the dew were dashed when Mohammed Siraj struck twice in quick succession to reduce the opposition to 23 for 2, before Umran Malik rode the luck. Charith gave Asalanka out, though replays showed. That the batsman would have survived if he had reviewed the caught decision.
Opener Pathum Nissanka held one end with 72 off 80 balls before Dasun Shanaka, the Lincoln skipper made his batting skills count with an unbeaten 108 off 88 balls but his efforts went in vain as the The damage had been done. In the end, India reached home by 67 runs.
