Rahane guides Indians to COMMANDING POSITION

An unbeaten knock of 109 by Ajinkya Rahane and 62 by Shikhar Dhawan guided the Indians to a commanding position on the opening day’s play in their three-day practice match against the Sri Lanka Board President’s XI played at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

The Indians taking first lease of the wicket, after Sri Lanka Board President’s XI skipper Lahiru Thirimanne won the toss, ended the day making a formidable score of 314 for 6.

The Indians were given a sound start by openers Lokesh Rahul and Dhawan who together put on a valuable 108 runs before being separated with Rahul’s dismissal having made a knock of 43.

This followed with right arm pacie Kasun Rajitha bagging three crucial wickets that of Rohit Sharma and skipper Virat Kohli, with both being unable to reach double figures, and Dhawan as The Indians slid to 133 for 4.

Rahane joined by Cheteshwar Pujara began a recovery act as the pair denied the Sri Lanka bowlers any success for a considerable period. They together added 134 runs for the fifth wicket before spinner JeffreyVandersay made the breakthrough dismissing Pujara, whose contribution was 42.

Wriddhiman Saha who followed did not last long as Vandersay got rid of him with the Indian’s score on 273. That was all the success that they were able to achieve as Rahane along with Ravichandran Ashwin held on for nearly 12 overs adding 41 runs in the process.

Rahane’s knock of 109 which came off 127 balls comprised 11 boundaries and a six.The right arm pace and spin combination of Rajitha andVandersay shared five wickets. The match will be continued today.