Virat Kohli races to 29th century in 4th ODI vs Sri Lanka
Virat Kohli slammed his 7th century vs Sri Lanka and 29th overall to put India on top in the fourth ODI in Colombo. The visitors have already sealed the five-match series 3-0.
Virat Kohli smashed his 29th century in a show of absolute command over a hapless Sri Lankan bowling attack in the fourth One-day International at the Premadasa Stadium on Thursday. India would go on to win the match by 168 runs to take a 4-0 lead in the five-match series. (IND vs SL LIVE HIGHLIGHTS)
The Indian skipper’s 10th century while the team batted first took him to third in the all-time list of ODI centurions. He is now only behind Sachin Tendulkar (49) and Ricky Ponting (30). Virat Kohli was joint third going into the match with Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya (28). (IND vs SL FULL SCORECARD)
Virat Kohli, who holds the Indian record for fastest ODI – 52 balls – struck 14 fours and a six, reached triple figures in the 25th over with a flicked boundary off left-arm spinner Milinda Siriwardana. He had raised a century partnership for the unfinished second wicket partnership with Rohit Sharma.
(Read | MS Dhoni presented with platinum bat by Virat Kohli on his 300th ODI in Colombo)
Virat Kohli showed his belligerent mood early, hammering left-arm paceman Vishwa Fernando for three fours in a row, dispatching each pitched-up delivery. He added two more off the young bowler’s next over, a straight drive just missing the stumps on way to the fence.
Virat Kohli had completed his fifty off only 38 deliveries, with nine fours. He then opened up some more to leave the Sri Lankan bowlers running for cover.
They only time the Indian skipper was not entirely in control was when stand-in skipper Lasith Malinga, coming on for a fresh spell, induced an awkward hook shot, but it fell safely with the deep squareleg fielder far away.
Virat Kohli, who also completed 2000 ODI runs against Sri Lanka during his innings, then targetted spinner Akila Dananjaya, Sri Lanka’s prime wicket-taker in the previous two matches.
Virat Kohli also did not spare the other spinners, especially debutant left-arm spinner Malinga Pushpakumara, whom he lofted over long-on for six.
