India vs. Sri Lanka, 1st ODI: India wins as Kohli scores 45th Ton
The first ODI cricket match between India and Sri Lanka ended with India securing a 67-run victory. It was Virat who took center stage by scoring the 45th century.
This ton took Virat’s overall 100s count to 73 across every format. After winning the toss, Sri Lanka asked India to bat first, which proved to be a fatal mistake. Openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma each scored fifty for India, giving the team a solid foundation to build on.
Virat entered the ground after Gill’s departure at 143 and looked to be in immaculate touch. Although the player was given two chances, his century was still filled with impressive strokes. Virat’s ton was anticipated by many fans, as evident on many online cricket betting sites.
The massive score of 373 was undoubtedly going to be a huge task for the Lankan squad. This showed throughout the inning as the Sri Lankan batsmen lost wickets, trying to keep up with the run rate.
Pathum Nissanka scored 72, with Shanaka registering a valiant 108 that helped the team pass 300. However, this was not enough to help the team secure a win.
In contrast to Twenty20 matches, the Indian bowling attack appeared to be in good shape. Young Siraj and Umran Malik led the pace attack with respective statistics of 2 for 30 and 3 for 57. In addition, Sri Lanka was hurt by Virat’s 73rd international century because they dropped him twice during the game.
However, the visitors had some relief with Dasun Shanaka’s unbeaten century of 108 not out. Fans will also be on the watch for the player in upcoming matches.