There is no end on captain MS Dhoni’s smiley face as his boys have lifted game with pure domination in each department of the game. Not only batting but bowling and fielding, there is no occasion to raise eyebrow for the given performances.

India who won the toss decided to bat first. And by keeping captain’s decision on top, Indian warriors commit no mistake to rob mighty Lankans in their own backyard.

Sehwag’s arrival ensured good start by keeping opponent bowlers under-pressure whereas Irfan complemented given faith and selection on him. Zaheer launched his way-back from injuries while Kohli assured his non-stop hitting in front of his favourite team – Lanka.

Though, crowd is not seen enough in terms of numbers at Hambantota stadium due to transportation facilities but for sure, the spectators reached out there must have enjoyed some good performances from both sides.

For India, Gambhir and Sehwag started off the proceedings but failed to perform like before. Kulasekara opened wicket account for Lanka in the 2nd over of the match by hitting Gambhir’s stumps. Gambhir wasn’t looking comfortable from ball one and Lankan pacer didn’t make any mistake by grabbing him early on.

Although, Sehwag could have been first win for Lankans. But thanks to Dilshan who escaped Sehwag; for which, later Lankans were forced to chase 315 runs to register a win.

The kind of start Lankans had no one can think a 314 runs score-card for India after 50 overs. Pair of Malinga and Kulasekara tried their best to fetch as many wickets as they can. But Kohli had something else in his mind.

With Sehwag, he not only played sensible cricket but also, helped India to score with a rich run-rate. From Gambhir’s Dismissal to Sehwag’s unfortunate run-out, Kohli helped to set a launch pad for India; through which later team able to score 314/6.

From 11/1 to 228/4, Kohli build his game in an artist style. He batted for whole 38 overs and ended his card after lifting bat for another crafty of 106 runs off 113 balls with an oomph strike rate of 93.80! Truly a treat to watch.

Words with Sehwag, who missed a deserved come-back century. His haste to grasp a single cost him with a run-out. Not enough lucky this time. Rohit Sharma, who was sent at No.4 to bat, failed to use given opportunity and sent back on 5 by Mathews.

After Sehwag-Kohli show, CSK brothers Raina-Dhoni took charge to uplift Indian score-card. Like his name, Raina gestured with a handy half-century firmly accompanied by his skipper who scored quick 35 off 29. The fiery batting duo had left woes for hosts before respective dismissals. Total of 79 runs in 9 overs including 6-fours and 2-sixes set the stage for Indians to clinch a win.

Later Pathan came at No.7 but nothing much has left in the game for him in terms of batting. Yet, it is just a start of the series. He has a lot to receive and deliver.

India challenged hosts to chase a huge target for which Lankans, without a doubt, need to perform above their class and calibre. Playing in home-conditions, it is unfair to underestimate Lankans with the likes of Sangakkara and Mahela – their two most reckoned match winners.

But sorry to say, neither their opening pair brought enough room of runs to start nor they played responsible cricket. Former skipper Kumar Sangakkara seems helpless in the middle; was fighting lone to keep his team’s chances of survival.

Though, Tharanga (28 off 47) and Perera (44 off 28) tried to build some handy partnership with him but then Indians had mental advantage here. Clever bowling and well supported fielding scripted an official but not handsome win for Indians though.

Thanks to a generous scoring of Sangakkara (133 off 151) whose efforts kept Lankans hope alive in the game. If he was supported for a long-inning partnership with any of his mate, Lankans might have won this match.

Though, after seeing first inning performance India is, undoubtedly, official winners. But then, cricket is a game of uncertainties. What if Mahela-Sangakkara came up with their trademark performances? What if Indians didn’t bowl with enough discipline and attitude?

Dhoni’s battlers not only enhanced the game by respective performances but also, have proved their selection right. Keep in mind, India come up after a break whereas Lankans continuously playing string of matches.

If non-stop cricket and mental fatigue affects a superior team’s game, then you should blame Lankan Board.

But then, how else would you appreciate a team performance and excellency over its competitor team?

The 5-matches ODI series has begun. Hope, Lankans can make a comeback in the next match. Else, with arrival of Sehwag and Zaheer in the side, definitely Kohli would add more.

Summarised Scores:

India 314/6 (Kohli 106, Sehwag 96; Perera 3-96) beat Sri Lanka 293/9 (Sangakkara 133, Perera 44*; Pathan 2-37) by 21 runs.

Man of the Match: Virat Kohli (India)
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