Kohli packs mean punch in rescue act

INDIA’S captain Virat Kohli staved off the threat of defeat before their fast bowlers ensured the hosts finished on a high in the drawn opening Test against Sri Lanka in the final day at Eden Gardens yesterday.

Chasing an improbable target of 231 in little more than a session, the tourists were reeling on 75 for seven before the umpires ruled the light too poor to continue in the final session of the match.

With rain washing out most of the first two days in the match, it was a stunning comeback from the world’s top-ranked Test side, who were tottering at 79/6 in their first innings at one stage.

Kohli propped up his side’s batting on the final day with an unbeaten 104 to register his 18th Test hundred, and 50th across formats, after paceman Suranga Lakmal’s inspired spell in the first session gave Sri Lanka hope of a maiden Test win in India.

India, however, declared their second innings on 352 for eight immediately after Kohli hit a six to get to three figures against Sri Lanka, who have failed to win in 17 away Tests against the hosts.

India seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who took four wickets in the first innings, picked up four for just eight runs to take the hosts very close to a win before fading light saved Sri Lanka.

The second match in the three-Test series will be played in Nagpur from Friday. — Reuters