Colombo, Aug 6:
Middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane struck an unbeaten century but skipper Virat Kohli’s poor form continued as Indians managed 314 for six on the opening day of their only three-day cricket tour game against Sri Lanka Board President’s XI here today.
Put into bat, Indian openers Lokesh Rahul (43) and Shikhar Dhawan (62) gave the visitors a solid 108-run start but the batting wobbled after their departure.
Rohit Sharma (7) and Kohli (8) fell in quick succession as medium-pacer Kasun Rajitha (3-47) made his presence felt in the President XI ranks as Indians lost four wickets for 25 runs in the post-lunch session.
Struggling at 133 for four, Rahane (109 not out) and Cheteshwar Pujara (42) then go together to stitch a 134-run fifth-wicket partnership to rebuild the Indian innings.
Pujara and Rahane defied the hosts until tea with the scorecard reading 175 for four.
The two batsmen put on runs at a brisk pace, bringing up the 50-partnership in the 49th over. And then they kicked on, with Rahane bringing up his half-century off 59 balls, with five fours.
Their 100-partnership came up in the 59th over and the duo scored at 4.75 per over during their 28.1-over stay together at the crease. (PTI)
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