Virat Kohli scored his 45th ODI century on Tuesday, making full use of two missed chances to lead India to a huge victory over Sri Lanka in the first one-day international.
At the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, the former India captain scored 113 runs off just 87 balls against Sri Lanka at a strike rate of 129.89. He hit 12 fours and one six in his innings.
This was Kohli’s 20th home ODI century, sharing the record with Sachin Tendulkar for most. On his way to scoring 73 international runs, Kohli was granted two rests.
Kohli was bowled first by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis off Kasun Rajitha in the 37th over after reaching his half-century in 47 balls. He was spared in the 43rd over as well due to Rajitha’s bowling once more.
Dasun Shanaka, the captain of Sri Lanka, dropped him this time while he was batting on 81. Kohli made the most of his two lives to lead India to a significant total. He fell in the 49th over, just as Team India had reached 360. In the end, India made 373/7 in 50 overs.
“I have had a few practice sessions and a little break. I’m fresh from the Bangladesh tour, where the second half didn’t go as planned for me.
At the innings break, Kohli stated, “I had to bat through the innings like I always do, but I still manage a high strike rate.”
I’d take those missed opportunities any day. On nights like these, you need to thank God because luck plays a big role. I’m pretty aware that these evenings are significant.
I’m grateful that I took advantage of the luck that came my way. I assisted the team in increasing their total by 20 runs to 350. It will be exactly the same. To beat this, someone will need a score of 150 or 140.
However, it also provides our bowlers with the opportunity to bowl while the dew is present. Because the diet is the most important factor at this age, I am very conscious of what I eat.
That helps me stay in top shape. That enables me to give the team my complete attention. Instead of brute force.
Kohli’s innings were most exquisite for their elegance. Even though Kohli batted at a strike rate of over 125, he rarely used the aerial route.