In-form Rohit embarrasses Sri Lanka

Rohit Sharma continued his superb form as he hit an unbeaten century to lead India to a crushing seven-wicket win against Sri Lanka in the second match of the Zimbabwe Triangular Series.

India, chasing 243 for victory, overhauled the target with more than six overs to spare, owed largely to a 154-run stand between Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Sharma, playing in his 44th match, hit his second successive One-Day International century with the help of six boundaries and two sixes while Kohli, in contrast, relied more on his running and hit just four boundaries.

Captain Suresh Raina completed the job after Kohli’s dismissal as India earned a much-needed win after they went down to a spirited Zimbabwe on Friday.

Sri Lanka, led by Tillakaratne Dilshan in Kumar Sangakkara’s absence was the highlight along with Angelo Mathews as they hit half-centuries to help their team put 242 runs on the board.

But it was Sharma’s day as he hit his second successive century within three days after making 114 against Zimbabwe. And he was a pleased man.

“It is always nice to get hundreds in consecutive matches. This pitch was really nice to bat on but still a bit on the slower side,” added the man of the match.

Published in the Express Tribune, May 31st, 2010.