Credit: Twitter
During the ODI World Cup 2023 clash versus Sri Lanka, the Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli was putting together a top-quality innings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, on Thursday, November 2. But then, against the run of play, the 34-year-old was out just 12 runs before equalling the record of 49 ODI hundreds, which prompted him to react in sheer disappointment at the manner of his dismissal.
Virat Kohli was put down early in his innings by Dushmantha Chameera after walking into bat post the dismissal of Rohit Sharm, but from that moment onwards, he started to take the attack to the Sri Lanka bowlers. The Delhi-born cricketer hit a lot of fours in quick succession to put the opposition on the back foot, while his non-striking partner Shubman Gill did the same.
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In their 189-run partnership, Kohli and Gill matched each other stroke for stroke, to mesmerise the packed house at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Dilshan Madushanka picked up the all-important wicket of Shubman Gill for 92 off 92 on a short delivery, finding the gloves of Kusal Mendis, while trying to ramp the ball in the third-man region for a boundary.
Shortly afterward, Dilshan Madushanka deceived Virat Kohli with a slower ball, who tried to check his shot, but only managed to find Pathum Nissanka at short cover. As the 34-year-old walked back to the pavilion after scoring 88 off 94, he seemed quite displeased after missing out on his 49th ODI century, which could lead him to level with legendary Sachin Tendulkar for the most number of hundreds in ODI cricket.
Shreyas Iyer took the initiative for India after the dismissals of Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, playing an excellent innings of 82 off 56, to help them put a total of 357/8 on the board in their allotted 50 overs. Sri Lanka will have to bat out of their skins to chase down a daunting target in front of the fans at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, who are firmly behind the home side.
