Virat Kohli continued his run score in 4th ODI against Sri Lanka by scoring his 13th ODI century to help India record a 6 wicket win over hosts in 4th ODI. Part-timer Manoj Tiwary earlier played a key role in restricting Sri Lanka in the day-night match in Colombo, taking four wickets with his leg-spin in his first game of the series.
India were off to a poor start as pacer Lasith Malinga struck in his first over to bowl out Gautam Gambhir for a duck. Virender Sehwag along with Kohli put the Indian chase back on track with a 50-run stand for the second wicket but Angelo Mathews got rid of the opener in the 10th over to somewhat derail visitors’ chase.
Rohit Sharma’s horrible form with the bat continued as Nuwan Pradeep got him for just 4. India were left reeling at 60 for three after 13 overs. It was then left to Kohli and Manoj Tiwary to continue the Indian inning as the duo put on 49-run for the fourth wicket under pressure. However, Tiwary did not last long as he became the victim of leg-spinner Jeevan Mendis after scoring 21 runs.
India were under pressure at 109-4 before Kohli and Suresh Raina (58 not out) added 146 runs to steer their team home. Raina hit one six and four boundaries in his 51-ball knock.
Sri Lanka made an impressive start after electing to bat, with Tharanga and Dilshan adding 91 for the opening wicket.
Fast bowler Ashok Dinda broke the stand when he removed Dilshan, who was caught behind after cracking seven fours in his 48-ball knock.
Tharanga, who pulled Dinda for the first six of the match, fell soon after completing his half-century, stumped by skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni off Ashwin. He also hit four boundaries in his 73-ball knock.
Dinesh Chandimal (28) and Thirimanne put on 50 for the third wicket before Tiwary struck in his opening over, having Chandimal caught by Irfan Pathan at square-leg.
Off-spinner Sehwag got a big wicket when he had Jayawardene caught behind for three to reduce Sri Lanka to 155-4.
Brief Scorecard
Sri Lanka: Upul Tharanga – 51 runs (73 balls), Lahiru Thirimanne – 47 runs (69 balls), Manoj Tiwary – 4 wkts (10 overs 61 runs)
India: Virat Kohli – 128 runs not out (119 balls), Suresh Raine – 58 runs not out (51 balls), Angelo Mathews – 1 wkt (6 overs 18 runs)
Result: India won by 6 wickets (44 balls to spare)
