Guwahati: Indian star batter Virat Kohli scored a dominating century Tuesday afternoon to power India to a substantial total of 373/7 against Sri Lanka (SL) in the ongoing ODI series. In the first match of the three-match ODI series, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill contributes half centuries, giving a better start for India at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium here.
Kohli scored his 45th ODI century, levelling with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and his second consecutive ton in the format reported IANS. With 12 boundaries and a six, Kohli scored 113 out of 87 balls (his ninth ODI century against SL), while Rohit was all arms 83 off 67 and Gill 70 off 60. Rohit smashed nine boundaries and three sixes, while Gill scored 11 boundaries.
The pitch was flat, and the outfield was fast, turning everything in favour of Indian batters. Kohli was on guard and showed perfect timing, which gave the right impression that he was in good touch this afternoon. Also, Lankans dropped him twice, when he was at 52 and 81. He reached a century in the 47th over from 80 balls.
Earlier, the opening pair Rohit and Gill displayed a boundary-hitting show with a full array of shots during the powerplay, where India scored 75. Gill sent debutant Dilshan Madushanka for a hattrick of fours. Rohit also survived two DRS calls before he reached his 47th ODI fifty. Gill also survived an lbw review on the umpire's call before bringing up his fifth half-century in 16 ODI innings off 51 balls and pulled out another hattrick boundary off his bat.
Later in the order, Hardik Pandya or Axar Patel couldn't do much.
Brief Scores: India 373/7 in 50 overs (Virat Kohli 113, Rohit Sharma 83; Kasun Rajitha 3/88, Dasun Shanaka 1/22) against Sri Lanka.