Classy Kohli, lethal Bhuvi light up final day of drawn Test

Kolkata, November 20 : Skipper Virat Kohli hit one of the finest counter-attacking centuries in recent times as India nearly scripted an epic win before the first cricket Test against Sri Lanka ended in a draw after a tantalising final day’s cricket. Kohli’s unbeaten 104 — his 18th Test and 50th overall hundred saw India declaring their second innings at 352 for 8. This left Sri Lanka with an improbable 231 to chase in little over a session.
The target was out of reach but the Indian bowlers went full throttle raising visions of a victory, reducing Sri Lanka to 75 for 7 before umpires called off play due to deteriorating light.
Nearly 20 overs of play was still left but light was always going to be a factor as Bhuvneshwar Kumar (11-8-8-4) rocked the Sri Lankan batting in the company of Mohammed Shami (2/34 in 9.3 overs) and Umesh Yadav (1/25 in 5 overs).
After being dominated for the better part of the first four rain-truncated days, Kohli took it in his own hands to completely alter the complexion of the match.
With opposition’s best bowler Suranga Lakmal (3/93) removing KL Rahul (79), Cheteshwar Pujara (22) and Ajinkya Rahane (0) within the first hour of play, the visitors were sniffing victory with India effectively 91 for 4 at that point of time. Kohli didn’t get any stable partners but initially played it safe till the lunch session before launching a ferocious counter-attack in the post-lunch session. The two sixes over extra cover off Lakmal were a statement of intent that he was not ready to play for time trying to save the match.