India underlined their batting potential with a run-glut in the opening ODI of the three-match series. Sri Lanka were gutsy but the gulf in class was evident.
India vs Sri Lanka | Thursday 12 January | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 10:00
To Win Match
India 21/100 | Tie 25/1 | Sri Lanka 34/10
Virat Kohli equalled Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI century last time out and showed that he will not gently transition away from the top.
Captain Rohit Sharma also stamped his authority on the order with an innings that set the tone.
India used their all-rounders to make up overs but both spinners bowled a full allotment of overs.
The Eden Gardens wicket should give the pacemen a little more to work with and Mohammed Shami could lead the way.
Dasun Shanaka’s fighting hundred got Sri Lanka back into the contest but wickets upfront cut the hamstrings of the Islanders.
Pathum Nissanka was the lone light in the top order once again, a plotline that is getting to be tedious for Sri Lanka fans.
Wanindu Hasaranga was targeted for some serious abuse and that left Sri Lanka without a leg to stand on.
Kasun Rajitha got wickets but did so at an exorbitant rate of runs leaked and left them chasing the game.
Verdict: India 21/100
Despite a couple of positives for the Sri Lankans, I don’t think that the hosts can’t be stopped.
