Dhawan scored a brilliant ton today to take India home. Image Source: XtraTime
Internet Desk: India inflicted a comprehensive victory of hosts Sri Lanka when they achieved the target in just 29 overs to wrap up the game in style and there by taking a vital 1-0 lead in the five match ODI series at Dambulla today. Chasing a modest target of just 217 runs India won the game by 9 wickets.
Star opener Shikhar Dhawan scored yet another ton and remained not out which marked his 11th ODI hundred as he piled up 132 runs in just 90 balls which consisted of 20 fours and 3 sixes. Accompanying Shawan was skipper Virat Kohli who scored 82 from 70 balls. Rohit Sharma was the only batsman who was dismissed on 4 runs after he was sent back to the pavilion when was run out by Kapugedera.
None of the Lankan bowlers were successful with the ball and was thrashed by the duo of Dhawan and Kohli left and right.
Earlier after winning the toss India skipper Virat Kohli choose to bowl first. Openers Dickwella and Gunathilaka started well for the visitors as they shared a half century stand for the first wicket. Gunathilaka (35) got out on 74 from a beautiful delivery by young leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. At one stage Sri Lanka were 139 for 1 and everybody thought that they would post a big total on board, but thanks to Kedar’s golden arm the hosts got a crucial breakthrough in the form of Dickwella (64). After that the Sri Lankan batting line-up fell very quickly as they could only manage to score 77 runs before losing their last nine wickets. Among the bowlers Axar Patel was the most successful bowler as he took 3 wickets for 34 runs. On the other hand Jadhav, Chahal and Bumrah shared two wickets each.