CUTTACK 02-Nov-2014 23
Barabati Stadium proved to be a happy hunting ground for Indian cricket team as they got off to a flying start in the hurriedly-arrange five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, winning the first match 169 runs here today. Chasing a massive target of 364, the visitors made a meek surrender as they were bundled out for 194.
In a lop-sided match, India, under stand-in skipper Virat Kohli, asserted their supremacy in all departments of the game. Put into bat on a sporting wicket, India set records galore on their way to an imposing total of 363 for five. The bowlers, spearheaded by Ishant Sharma, performed as splendidly as their batsmen by dismissing the opposition within 40 overs.
Ishant ravaged the Lankan batting line-up, scalping four wickets, including two in one over. He was well supported by new-ball partner Umesh Yadav and left-arm spinner Axar Patel, who picked up a brace each.
Most of the Lankan batsmen looked out of touch. Only exception was stalwart Mahela Jayawardene (43 off 46, 6x4, 1x6), who set himself on course for a big knock but only to squander by playing an injudicious shot. In the absence of regular skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Wriddhiman Saha did a superb job behind the stumps, taking four catches.
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