Pujara, Rahane help India dominate proceedings on day one

After a convincing victory in the first test of the three match series, India rode on centuries from Cheteshwar Pujara (133) and Ajinya Rahane (132) and a half century from KL Rahul (57) to close day one at a formidable score of 344-3.

Indian captain Virat Kohli decided to bat first after winning the toss and Shikhar Dhawan (35 off 37) took the attack to the Lankan bowlers while Rahul struggled a little on his return from injury. Just when Dhawan looked like repeating his carnage from the previous test, where he scored 190 off just 168 balls, he was undone by Dilruwan Perera. Centurion from the previous test (153 0ff 265), Cheteshwar Pujara joined Rahul in the middle and the duo added 53 runs together before a horrible mix-up cost Rahul’s wicket. Skipper Kohli failed this time as he was dismissed for just 13 but Rahane and Pujara added together an unbeaten 211 run partnership to keep India on the driver’s seat.

Pujara and Rahane will look to put India in a comprehensive position on Day two before India decides to declare and have a go at the Sri Lankan batsmen.

Records Galore in Colombo

There were several records broken and created during the days play in Colombo. While Pujara became the joint third fastest Indian, alongside Rahul Dravid, to score 4000 test runs, KL Rahul registered sixth consecutive 50 plus score, joint most for an Indian batsman with Gundappa Vishwanath and Rahul Dravid. Additionally, India became the only visiting tem to score in abundance of 300 runs on day one of two consecutive tests in Sri Lanka.

India U-17 colts face eye-opening defeat against Mexico

India U-17 World Cup squad, that will be representing India at the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be held in India, faced a humiliating 5-1 defeat against Mexiico in the four nation tournament opener. India, after going down 2-0 in the first half, pulled one back in the 52nd minute through Amarjit Singh’s penalty but Mexico added three more goals to their tally to finally crush India 5-1.

Coach’s Morton World Cup preparatory tour might have started with a crushing defeat but will like to pull things back when they face Colombia on Friday. India will play their last group encounter against Chile on Sunday.