3rd ODI: Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill’s centuries help India set Sri Lanka a target of 391 runs

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Thiruvananthapuram. Virat Kohli (166 not out) and Shubman Gill (116) scored brilliant centuries as India posted a mammoth 391-run target for Sri Lanka at the Greenfield International Stadium here on Sunday in the third and final match. The Indian team scored 390 runs in 50 overs losing five wickets. In his typical fashion, Kohli remained unbeaten on 166 off 110 balls. In his third century in the last four ODIs, Kohli hit 13 fours and eight sixes, completely demolishing the Sri Lankan bowlers. This was Kohli’s 46th and overall 74th century.
Of the 116 runs scored by India in the last ten overs, he scored 84 runs to put Sri Lanka out of the match. He also shared a 131-run partnership with Gill, who scored a brilliant 116 off 97 balls, hitting 14 fours and two sixes.
Earlier, electing to bat after winning the toss, India got off to a slow start scoring only 19 runs in the first five overs. Rohit made his intentions clear by hitting Lahiru Kumara for a six over deep midwicket. After this, Gill hit four consecutive fours in a single over through steer, drive and flick.
Rohit was timing his shots beautifully like a straight drive off Rajitha and hit the first power-play for a six to take India to 75.
The opening partnership of 95 was broken by Chamika Karunaratne when Rohit pulled straight to deep square leg in the 16th over and was caught. After this, Kohli came on the field.
After Gill brought up his fifty in 52 balls, his confidence started to grow. After this, he took an aggressive approach and rained fours and sixes.
The very next ball, after Kohli had brought up his fifty, Gill brought up his second ODI century off only 89 balls. Both of them hit Vandersay for four fours in the 32nd over. After this, Gill became the victim of Rajitha after scoring 116 runs.
From there, Kohli took charge and wreaked havoc on the Sri Lankan bowlers, forcing them to score quick runs. Also running fast between the wickets. Soon his century count reached 46 in ODIs off only 85 balls.
Kohli then continued to bat at a blistering pace, showing a glimpse of MS Dhoni’s helicopter shot to a slower ball from Rajitha. Kohli hit sixes one after the other with more fireworks.
Though Shreyas Iyer (38), Suryakumar Yadav (4) and KL Rahul (7) were dismissed soon after, there was no stopping Kohli, who brought up his 150 with a six over deep midwicket off Lahiru. India got 116 runs in the last ten overs, making them 390/5 in 50 overs.
–IANS

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