Team India is locking horns with Sri Lanka in the 4th ODI of the 5 match series, with India already 3-0 up in the series and have sealed the series.
India won the toss and skipper Virat Kohli chose to bat with both the team making changes as the series was decided. Despite the early loss of Shikhar Dhawan, India recovered well with the brilliants innings of Rohit Sharma (104) and Virat (131), who built a 219-run partnership as well for the second wicket.
The duo scored runs close to 8 runs per over and Sri Lanka looked helpless. Kohli got his 29th ODI century while Rohit got his 13th one and second in a row. India was marching towards a total close to 400 when Malinga scalped Kohli to complete his tally of 300 ODI wickets. Soon after that, Angelo Mathews removed Hardik Pandya and Rohit in consecutive deliveries.
India’s innings were then settled by Manish Pandey(50*) and MS Dhoni(49*) who stitched a century partnership and helped India to reach a mammoth first innings score of 375/5 in 50 overs.
However, Twitterati was amused to see a brutal display of hitting by Virat and Rohit on a pitch made for batting. Here are some intriguing tweets:
Congratulations legend @msdhoni for 300 ODI's.With the start,looks like Virat is going to make it xtra special by a really big one#Dhoni300
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 31, 2017
It is starting to look like a clearance sale at the Premadasa. Lots of runs on offer and Kohli and Rohit aren't in the mood to say 'enough'
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 31, 2017
Dhoni's 300th ODI
Malinga's 300 ODI wickets
300th one-sided ODI since WC2015. Okay, I made up the last number…but surely feels like it 😛🏏— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 31, 2017
Sri Lanka's bowlers being sent to the cleaners. Their batsmen could be chasing around 400, prhps even more unless India mess up flying start
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 31, 2017
Helicopter shot may be his most loved shot. But his unique fine leg paddles are a treat to the eyes. 😍#MSD300
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) August 31, 2017
Rohit hugs Malinga for getting to 300 wickets and then strikes him for a four. Sometimes cricket is just too adorable. #SLvIND
— Shirin S (@ShirinSadikot) August 31, 2017