NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli fell short of matching Sachin Tendulkar's all-time record of 49 one-day international centuries, but his contribution assisted India in setting a formidable total of 357-8 against Sri Lanka, as the unbeaten World Cup hosts inched closer to securing a spot in the semi-finals in Mumbai.
Kohli, scoring 88, and opener Shubman Gill, with 92, formed a potent partnership of 189 runs after the early dismissal of India's captain, Rohit Sharma, on just the second ball of the match.
Although both Kohli and Gill departed in quick succession, Shreyas Iyer maintained the momentum at the Wankhede Stadium, unleashing a rapid 82 off only 56 deliveries, inclusive of six superbly struck sixes.
Iyer was eventually caught out off Dilshan Madushanka, the left-arm fast bowler who concluded with figures of 5-80, becoming the leading wicket-taker in the World Cup with a total of 18 wickets.
Rohit Sharma managed to glance the first ball for a boundary but was dismissed on the second delivery, as Madushanka's delivery cut off the seam, crashing into Rohit's off stump.
Sri Lanka missed early opportunities to claim three wickets, notably dropping catches of Gill and Kohli. Gill was dropped on eight by a diving Charith Aslanka, and Kohli received a lifeline on 10 when Dushmantha Chameera couldn't hold onto a return catch.
These missed chances proved costly as Kohli managed a fifty off a run-a-ball, featuring eight boundaries. Gill, keeping pace with Kohli, also reached his half-century in 55 balls and notched the first six of the match by pulling Chameera over midwicket.
However, Gill fell short of a hundred, getting caught behind by wicketkeeper and Sri Lankan skipper Kusal Mendis while attempting an uppercut off Madushanka.
The crowd, including Mumbai native and Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, witnessed a subdued moment as Kohli chipped a Madushanka delivery to cover-point, culminating his 94-ball innings, which included 11 fours.
Despite the risk of a faltering innings, Iyer's aggressive batting style shone, exemplified by a colossal six off paceman Kasun Rajitha that soared over 100 meters.
(With AFP inputs)
