Xtra Time Web Desk: Rohit Sharma led Indian cricket team registered a comprehensive 67 runs win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI at the Barsapara Cricket Ground on Tuesday. Star India batter Virat Kohli (113) and express fast bowler Umran Malik (3/57) were the key performers in the match for the hosts. Team India captain Rohit Sharma too played a blazing 83 on his return to international cricket after being out of action due to thumb injury. Chasing a daunting 374 runs to win, Sri Lanka could manage 306/8, thanks to captain Dasun Shanaka’s unbeaten 108 runs.
Indian openers Rohit Sharma (83 off 67) and Shubman Gill (70 off 60) gave the team a solid start, adding 143 runs in 19.4 overs. Dasun Shanaka gave the first breakthrough, trapping Gill in front of the wicket. Rohit Sharma, picked up where he had left with a spirited half century, and scored 83 runs. Sharma would have been ruing the fact that he was not able to convert this into a century, which could have been his first since 2020.
Sri Lanka were poor on the field, dropping Kohli twice after his half-century. Taking full advantage, Virat completed his 100.
India pacers dominated Sri Lanka batters in what looked like a brilliant track to bat on. Despite heavy due, the trio of Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Umran Malik let their presence felt in picking up at least one wicket each.
Malik was the best of the lot today, bowling at extreme pace and setting the record for an Indian international with his 156kph ball in the 14th over. He picked 3 wickets from his 8 overs after giving away 57 runs.
Dasun Shanaka started a late revival for Sri Lanka in the final 10 overs of the game. While Sri Lanka were nowhere near the target, they irritated the India bowlers by stretching the game till the final over. Shanaka scored 108 runs from 88 balls.
The teams will now travel to Kolkata to play the second match in the iconic Eden Gardens.