Colombo: India want to make it a hat-trick of wins in the ODI series against Sri Lanka when they play the fifth and final match on Saturday, insists in-form batsman Virat Kohli.
Sport | Cricket
India eyeing hat-trick of wins — Kohli
Batsman insists India want another win despite already winning ODI series
- Staff Report
- Published: 21:30 August 1, 2012
- Image Credit: AP
- Indian cricketer Virat Kohli plays a shot during the fourth one day international (ODI) match between Sri Lanka and India
He smashed his 13th ODI century as India took an unassailable 3-1 in the series when they beat the Sri Lankans by six wickets on Tuesday evening.
India won both the past two ODIs after successfully chasing down targets in excess of 250, and Kohli is keen for this fine form to continue.
“If we can win three in a row it will be wonderful for us. Our game is as consistent as it can be,” said Kohli.
Of his scintillating 128 off 119 balls on Tuesday, he added: “You put yourself under pressure when go up in the rankings. I personally think when you start scoring runs for your team and your country, you have to take the game up one level.
“Getting out for 105 or 106 after scoring a century doesn’t help the cause of your team. This was what me and Suresh (Raina) discussed in the middle. When you are defending 250, you need to take wickets at regular intervals. Our plan was to stop that and try and create a partnership. We knew that the powerplay was due,” he said.
Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene, meanwhile, admitted that his side had been outplayed.
“We did not play good enough cricket, we performed in patches, not really good performances. Our batting was not great, bowling not penetrative enough, fielding was below par,” he said.
Jayawardene, however, was convinced that Raina was caught behind by Denesh Chandimal off Rangana Herath early in his innings.
“We got Suresh caught behind but I don’t know how others felt about it. That is how the game goes but it would have made a big difference (to the outcome),” he said.
The Sri Lankan captain said India had raised their game when they were under pressure.
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