Star wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni slammed 63 runs, following the dazzling start by openers Rohit Sharma (78) and Shikhar Dhawan (125) as India scored 321/6 in 50 overs against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
Dhawan, who was the Man Of The Tournament in India’s Champions Trophy win in 2013, displayed promising batting on Thursday as he scored his tenth ODI hundred to help the defending champions pile a confident total at The Oval.
The 31-year-old southpaw from Delhi struck a six and 15 boundaries in his illustrious 128-ball knock.
Besides Dhawan, Dhoni also marked his return with his 52-ball knock that was well-decorated by two sixes and seven boundaries.
Despite losing the toss, India started resilient as the opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Dhawan established a 138-run partnership stand.
Rohit slammed 78 runs with three sixes and six boundaries, before losing his wicket to Lasith Malinga in the 25th over.
However, more disheartening for fans was the dismissal of Virat Kohli, who was sent back to pavilion for a duck by Nuwan Pradeep.
In the middle-order, Yuvraj Singh also came with great intent but failed to bat for long. He managed to score just seven runs before losing his wicket to Asela Gunaratne.
Pinch-hitter Hardik Pandya, who shone in India’s last match with three consecutive sixes in the last over, also faltered at The Oval. Suranga Lakmal dismissed Pandya for nine runs.