New Delhi: Indian skipper Virat Kohli led from the front to help India register another ruthless victory over Sri Lanka. The Indian team secured 7-wicket victory, making it 9 wins in 9 matches and it is India’s first-ever complete series whitewash, having already humiliated the hosts in Tests and ODI’s.
Chasing 171 runs, India suffered early shock after opener Rohit Sharma was dismissed for mere 9 runs but skipper Kohli joined Rahul at the crease and took the innings forward. The 28-year-old batsman took little time to settle and immediately made intentions clear. However, KL Rahul couldn’t stand too long and was dismissed by Sekkuge Prasanna for 24.
It was Manish Pandey who joined hands with skipper to stitch superb 119-run stand for the third wicket. Kohli smashed 82 runs from 54 deliveries; including 7 fours and one six before being sent back to pavilion by Udana. While, manish bPandey had a fair share in the chase with a brilliant knock of 51 runs.
Earlier, Late fireworks from Ashan Priyajan anchored Sri Lanka to sophisticated total 170/7.
Having invited to bat first, Upul Tharanga’s men made a solid start with Niroshan Dickwella playing some fine shots but it was Dilshan Munaweera who made a strong statement with classy half-ton.
The right-hand batsman produced impressive knock of 53 from 29 deliveries including 4 sixes and 5 fours.
Indian spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav had a good outing as they managed to grab 5-wickets between them and fought to make a comeback in the middle over’s.
However, Priyanjan paired up with Udana in the final overs to stitch crucial 36 runs for the 8th wicket, taking Sri Lanka to a fighting total of 170/7.