Colombo, July 18

Skipper Shikhar Dhawan led by example and wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan impressed in his ODI debut to secure a comprehensive seven-wicket win for India against Sri Lanka in the first match. Kishan celebrated his 23rd birthday with a breezy 59, while Dhawan remained not out on 86 as India chased down the 263-run victory target with 13.2 overs to spare.

Earlier electing to bat, Sri Lanka struggled for momentum but still managed 262/9 largely due to No. 8 batsman Chamika Karunaratne’s unbeaten 43.

The hosts got off to a steady start before Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Avishka Fernando (33) with his first delivery. Chahal and fellow spinner Kuldeep Yadav claimed two wickets apiece and stemmed run flow.

In contrast, India got off to a blistering start and two of their top-order batsmen notched up fifties which made all the difference in the contest. Prithvi Shaw led India’s reply with 43 off 24 balls. — Reuters

Brief scores: Sri Lanka: 262/9 (Karunaratne 43; Chahar 2/37, Yadav 2/48, Chahal 2/52); India: 263/3 in 36.4 overs (Dhawan 86, Kishan 59, Shaw 43).