In the first one-day international in Guwahati, India defeated Sri Lanka by 67 runs thanks to Virat Kohli’s 73rd international century.
Virat Kohli overcame being dropped on 52 and 81 to score 113 off 87 balls, his second consecutive ODI century.
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After losing the toss, India posted a massive 373-7 after openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill shared a 143-run stand, making 83 and 70 respectively.
Despite captain Dasun Shanaka’s 108 not out, Sri Lanka’s chase ended on 306-8.
Kohli’s century was his 45th in one-day internationals, falling just four short of Sachin Tendulkar’s record.
The 34-year-old former captain, who hit 12 fours and a six in his last ODI innings against Bangladesh in December, reached three figures in 80 balls.
He eventually made it out in the penultimate over when he skied a catch off Kasun Rajitha, who finished with 3-88.
Sri Lanka were never seriously in the chase, falling to 206-8 in the 38th over as fast bowler Umran Malik claimed 3-57, but Shanaka’s second ODI century saved them from a crushing defeat.
The Sri Lanka captain was run out at the non-end striker’s by bowler Mohammed Shami after leaving the crease early on 98 in the final over, with 83 needed from three balls, but India captain Rohit withdrew the appeal.
Shanaka then hit a four two balls later to complete his century.
“We cannot get him out like that,” Rohit said afterwards.
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“We wanted to get him out, we thought we will get him out, but that was not something we thought of. But again, hats off to him, he played really well.”
The second ODI takes place on Thursday at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. India has already taken a 2-1 lead in the three-match Twenty20 series.
