Shikhar Dhawan 190, Pujara 144* have ensured that India ended the first day of the first test at Galle International Stadium in a strong position at 399 for 3. Winning the toss, Mukund was dismissed early. Pujara and Dhawan 253 runs partnership smashed the Sri Lankan bowlers. Nuwan Pradeep was the only bowler to trouble the Indian batsmen.
Virat Kohli won the toss and choose to bat at Galle earlier today. Shikhar Dhawan and Abhinav Mukund gave the team a solid start putting on 27 runs for the first wicket. Mukund was dismissed by Nuwan Pradeep for 12 runs. Shikhar Dhawan was dropped by 31 runs and then smashed the Sri Lankan bowlers to all parts of the ground. Both Pujara and Dhawan completed their half century partnership in 60 balls The left handed batsman completed his half century off 62 balls. It was a great performance by both batsmen to play the Sri Lankan bowlers with ease. At lunch, India went with 115 for 1 in 28 overs.
Resuming after the lunch break, Shikhar Dhawan continued his brilliant form smashing the Sri Lankan bowlers. He completed his 5th century in test matches off 110 balls while Pujara completed his fifty in 80 balls. The Sri Lankan bowlers were not able to put pressure on the Indian batsmen. Dhawan and Pujara raced to 150 runs partnership in 180 balls. The left handed batsmen scored 150 in 147 balls to continue India’s domination over Sri Lankan team. Before the stroke of the tea break, Shikhar Dhawan tried to hit a big shot and was dismissed for 190. Both of them added 253 runs for the second wicket. In the second session, India went to tea at 282 for 2 adding 167 runs.
In the third session, Nuwan Pradeep got the big wicket of Virat Kohli. The umpire did not give him out but Hearth called for a review and Oxenford had to reverse the decision because it had touched the bat. Then Rahane and Pujara steadied the innings. Pujara completed his 12th century of his test career in 173 balls while Rahane is giving him full support. At the end of day’s play, India has ended the day 1 in a strong position at 399 for 3 with Pujara on 144 and Rahane 39. Both of them have put 113 runs so far.
India 399 for 3 in 90 overs ( Shikhar Dhawan 190, Pujara 144*, Nuwan Pradeep 3/ 64)