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On the back of former India captain and maverick batter, Virat Kohli's century, Team India registered an emphatic win in the first ODI against Sri Lanka at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on January 10 (Tuesday). The Men in Blue defeated the Islanders by 67 runs and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Kohli's 45th ODI ton propelled India to a daunting total of 373/7 in 50 overs after Sri Lanka elected to bowl after winning the toss. Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka (108 not out off 88 balls) smashed an entertaining century but his valiant efforts went in vain. During his attractive knock, Shanaka powered 12 fours and three sixes and kept his sublime form against India intact.
The Sri Lankan captain was lucky to raise his bat as Indian captain Rohit Sharma had a chance to send Shanaka back to the pavilion but opted against it. The incident occurred when Mohammed Shami ran in to deliver the fourth ball of the final over of the match. Shanaka, who was stranded at 98 on the non-striker's end, left the crease before Shami delivered the ball. The Indian pacer stopped and mankaded the Sri Lankan captain by dislodging the bail. Shami appealed and the on-field umpire went upstairs.
Rohit Sharma then intervened and had a brief chat with Shami before both decided to withdraw the appeal.
After the game, the Indian skipper explained the reason behind withdrawing the appeal.
"I had no idea Shami did that (run-out), he was batting on 98. The way he batted was brilliant, we cannot get him out like that. Not something that we thought of, hats off to him, he played really well," Rohit told host broadcasters Star Sports during the post-match presentation.
India and Sri Lanka will now lock horns in the second ODI on January 12 (Thursday) at the Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata.
