On this day December 24, 2009: Virat Kohli smashed his maiden ODI century against Sri Lanka. The 21-year-old batter scored a memorable 107 off 114. His innings included as many as 11 boundaries and a six. Sri Lanka toured India in 2009 and the fourth ODI saw Kohli’s first ODI ton and also helped India seal the five-match ODI series 3-1.
Sri Lanka were batting first and started with a masterful hundred by Upul Tharanga. The left hander smashed a 128-ball-118 and was well supported by Kumar Sangakkara who scored 60. Mahela Jayawardene scored 33 and Thisara Perera smashed a quick 31 to help the Sri Lanka reach a formidable 315/6 in their 50 overs. In reply, India lost openers Virender Sehwag for 10 and Sachin Tendulkar for 8 and they were under huge pressure chasing a huge total . Then came, Kohli along with Gambhir who orchestrated what was one of the greatest run-chases for India.
While Gambhir played sheet anchor and scored a quick 150 of just 137 balls, which included 14 fours, Kohli went about his working the ball and building the partnership. His approach was more counter-attacking as the ton came in a tall chase as Kohli along with former opener Gautam Gambhir helped India scale 316. Kohli made 107 runs of 114 balls and later he was dismissed. Gambhir and Dinesh Karthik (19*) saw India home with 11 balls to spare.
It was a huge win because India were missing Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni for this match, and the stage was set for Delhi boys Virat Kohli and Gambhir to show their batting prowess and they rose to the occasion.
The pair of Kohli and Gambhir put together a match-winning stand of 224 for the third wicket as India won the match by seven wickets.
Gambhir was awarded the man of the match for his knock of 150 but in a heart warming move he chose to hand over the Man of the match to Virat Kohli. In the post match, Gambhir said "The way Kohli batted took a lot of pressure off my shoulders and with the runs coming in at the other end, it was really helpful for me." It was a very sweet gesture from the senior player to Virat Kohli who just smashed his maiden ODI century.
