Middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane slammed a cracking unbeaten century on day one for India against Sri Lanka Board President XI in their warm-up game at R. Premadasa Stadium.
After being sent into bat, Indian opening pair of Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul constructed a positive stand of 108. The visitors made 78 runs in the opening session but after lunch, the hosts’ struck through seamer Nisala Tharaka who was caught by Danushka Gunathilake at the slip cordon for 43 off 96 balls.
Few overs later, one-drop batsman Rohit Sharma (7) was clean bowled by a stunning in-swinger by Badureliya SC seamer Kasun Rajitha. The Indian captain Virat Kohli (8) flopped once again as he was induced to a cover drive outside the off-stump but a thick outside edge was cleanly taken by Milinda Siriwardana at second slip off Rajitha.
India was in dire-straits at 133 for 4 when Dhawan became Rajitha’s third victim giving an easy catch to the wicket-keeper Kusal Janith ending his sublime knock of 62.
The visiting batting needed some stability in their innings and they were guided through the tough times by Rahane and Chetheshwar Pujara as they put on a classic 134-run stand for the 5th wicket.
Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay struck late in the day dismissing both Pujara (42) and wicket-keeper Wriddhaman Saha (3) in quick succession to end the day on a high note but it was all about Rahane’s class as he crisped his way to another well-constructed century.
Rahane stroked 127 balls for his unbeaten innings of 109 which comprised 11 fours and a six. R Ashwin remained not out on 10 at stumps.
Play will be continued tomorrow (7th August).
Indians – 314/6 in 79 overs: KL Rahul 43, Shikhar Dhawan 62, Ajinkya Rahane 109*, Chetheshwar Pujara 42, Kasun Rajitha 3/47, Jeffrey Vandersay 2/76.
