Internet Desk: A brilliant ton from India’s star opener Shikhar Dhawan helped India to reach 329 for 6 against Sri Lanka at the end of Day 1 of the third and final cricket Test at Pallekele today.
India: Shikhar Dhawan (119), Lokesh Rahul (85), Virat Kohli (42); Sri Lanka: Malinda Pushpakumara 3/40, Lakshan Sandakan 2/84
Both the openers, Shikhar Dhawan (119) and Lokesh Rahul (85) gave the visitors a brilliant start as they shared the first century partnership of the series and added 188 runs for the first wicket. After the departure of Rahul another opener Shikhar Dhawan completed his second century of the series to help India to cross the 200-run mark. After the dismissal of both the openers, the Indian middle order failed to capitalize the good start as Cheteshwar Pujara (8) fail cheaply to Lakshan Sandakan. Ajinkya Rahane (17) too couldn’t last long at the crease as Pushpakumara cleaned him up quickly. Skipper Virat Kohli (42) tried to hold the innings with India’s star all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin (31) but he failed to read a googly and gave a catch to Karunaratne at sleep.
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Lakshan Sandakan, who got his first chance to play in the series in place of injured Rangana Herath bowled brilliantly to take the wickets of India skipper Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara. Malinda Pushpakumara backed him well as both the bowlers shared two wickets each.
Wicket-keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha (13*) and young Hardik Pandya (1*) were at the crease at the end of day’s play.
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Brief Scores : India 329/6 (Dhawan 119, Rahul 85, Cheteshwar Pujara 8, Virat Kohli (c) 42, Ajinkya Rahane 17, Ravichandran Ashwin 31, Wriddhiman Saha (wk) 13*, Hardik Pandya 1*) vs Sri Lanka (Vishwa Fernando 1/68, Lahiru Kumara 0/67, Dimuth Karunaratne 0/23, Dilruwan Perera 0/36, Lakshan Sandakan 2/84, Malinda Pushpakumara 3/40)