RANCHI, Nov 16: Virat Kohli stood tall and scored his 21st ODI century to help his side register a three wicket win over Sri-Lanka in the fifth and final match of the series played at JSCA International Cricket Complex Stadium here tonight
Kohli’s knock consisted of 12 boundaries and 3 big sixes. This was his 14th century which he had scored when India was cashing a target. Out of these 14 centuries 13 have resulted in wins including this match.
Set to chase a tough total of 287, the home side began on the worst possible note with both the openers back in the hut with the scoreboard reading 14/2. Both Rahane and Rohit Sharma who wrote his name in the history book for the second two hundred plus score in ODI were bowled by rival skipper Mathews.
However, a steady 134 run partnership between Ambati Rayadu and Kohli helped India’s run-chase come back on track. Unfortunately an error in judging a run cost Rayadu’s wicket after he had made 59 out of 69 balls. Robin Utthapa, Kedar Jadav and Stuart Binny all of them got starts but failed to convert them into big scores and departed in quick succession. Mendis struck twice in the 44th over when he had Binny stumped for 12 and Ashwin lbw for zero.
However with 47 needed in the last five Kohli joined by Axar Patel ensured the side reached safely to its target as both of them shared an unbroken 57 run partnership. For his 139 which was identical to what Sri-Lanka captain Angelo Mathews scored and leading his side for a five-nil victory Virat Kohli was adjudged the man of the series. While Mathews who also took 2 wickets for 33 in seven over was adjudged the man of the match.
For the visitors Ajantha Mendis returned with best bowling figures of 4/73 in 9.4 overs. Earlier, Angelo Mathews helped his side reach 286/8 at the end of the 50 overs He scored 139 not-out of 116 balls which included six four and 10 massive sixes helping the visitors to set up a challenging total who were at one time struggling at 85/4 in the 19th over with all the top four batsman back in the pavilion.
Mathews and Thirimanne put on 128 run partnership for the fifth wicket, before Thirimanne who completed his ninth ODI half century was caught out in the 45th over in the bowling of Ashwin.The left hander scored 52 of 76 balls. Mathews scored his century in 102 balls which was his first in 138 matches.
His power hitting helped the islanders score 114 runs in the last 10 overs.
For India Dhawal Kulkarni returned with the best bowling figures of 3/57, while Axar Patel and Ashwin also chopped in with two wickets each.
(UNI)
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