Man-of-the-Match Virat Kohli's dismantling of Sri Lanka’s spearhead, Lasith Malinga, was decisive in India chasing a target of 321 inside 37 overs. In 15 balls faced from the slinger, Kohli collected 45 runs for a strike-rate of 293.33. It was devastating.
The over which turned the match definitively India's way was the 35th. India needed 42 from six overs to get the bonus point, and Malinga – who had conceded 62 runs in six overs – was persisted with during the batting Powerplay. Continue reading below
In six deliveries, Kohli slammed 24 runs: a flick past midwicket for two brought him a century off 76 balls, the next ball was flicked for six, a lofted drive over extra-cover brought four, and the next three balls disappeared to the deep square leg fence as Malinga veered onto the pads. Malinga walked back to the deep to nurse figures of 7-0-86-1, while Kohli punched gloves with Suresh Raina knowing victory was in touching distance.
