IND vs SL 1st ODI Match: Virat Kohli Smashed 45th ODI Century

Image Credit: BCCI

India starts the preparation for World Cup 2023 to be played later this year with 3 match ODI series against Sri Lanka.1st ODI match is played at Baraspara Cricket Stadium,Guwahati. 

Sri Lankan Captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and elected to bowl first because of dew. For India, Captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back after break along with senior pacer Mohammed Shami and  KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of the series,as he was not fully match fit.

Both Openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill started cautiously in first two overs then took over bowlers,bought up 50 runs partnership in just 40 balls. Rohit Sharma was the aggressior as he smashed Rajitha for 16 runs in 7th over. After first Powerplay of 10 overs India reached 73 runs.

In 13th over Captain Rohit Sharma scored his 47th half century in just 41 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes. On the other hand Gill was cautious and occasionally scoring boundries on loose balls bought up 1st Hundred partnership between Captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in just 15 overs. Shubman Gill also reached his 5th half century,he is been in prolific form.

Sri Lankan Captain manage to break the partnership as he trapped Shubham Gill in 20th over and India lost their first wicket at 143 runs. Meanwhile Rohit Sharma 7500 runs as opener at an average of 57,thus becoming fastest to reach the landmark. Madushanka bowled Rohit Sharma at 83 runs in just 67 balls ,he was looking in full flow and missed well deserving century.

Virat Kohli scored his 65th half century in just 47 balls,then Kushal Mendis dropped Kohli at 52 runs. KL Rahul joined played a cameo knock of 39 runs in just 29 balls,Rajitha bowled KL Rahul, India crossed 300 run mark in 41th over. 

Virat Kohli stood tall and keep scoring runs while he was lost another partner in the form of Hardik Pandya as Rajitha took another wicket. Before Virat Kohli got another life when he was dropped again by Shanaka. But Virat Kohli has been in prime touch today used his wrist work and bought up his 45th ODI Century and 73rd International Century during this classy knock. 

Finally Virat Kohli lost his wicket when he was tring to smash ball for six. He scored 113 runs in just 87 balls with 12 fours and 1 six. India managed to reach 373 runs in 50 overs at the loss of 7 wickets .