India vs SL, 1st Test : Pant hits a smashing 96 on Kohli's 100th Test to take Team India to a commanding 357
Xtra Time Web Desk : Team India on Friday climbed up to a par score of 357/6 on Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka, more importantly Virat Kohli's 100th, courtesy of some fine batting performances.
Team India's rapidly-rising box-office draw Rishabh Pant owned the centre-stage in Virat Kohli's landmark 100th Test, hammering Sri Lankan bowlers into submission with an enthralling 96 as the hosts reached a commanding total on the opening day of the first Test in Mohali.
The 5000 odd spectators, who had come to watch Kohli perform on a grand stage, saw one of the most flamboyant batters in recent history make a mockery of an average Sri Lankan attack.
He was especially brutal when it came to going after left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya (28-2-107-2), who was taken for 22 in one over.
The deathly silence after Kohli's shock exit for a well-made 45 was there for barely a second and half. Because at that point entered the stockily built 24-year-old from India's engineering city of Rourkee and that was followed by a deafening roar which showed his popularity.
