India beats Sri Lanka by 169 runs in Cuttack ODI

The Indian cricket team, led by Virat Kohli, defeated Sri Lanka by 169 runs in first of the five-match One Day International (ODI) series on Sunday.

Playing at the Barabati Stadium, India scored a massive 363 runs for the loss of five wickets in the stipulated 50 overs after being sent in to bat first by Sri Lanka. Openers Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane gave the hosts a solid start by stitching a 231-run opening partnership, with both batsmen hitting centuries, scoring 113 and 111 runs respectively.

In reply, Sri Lanka was bundled out for a mere 194 runs in 39.2 overs, with former skipper Mahela Jayawardene top scoring with 43 runs. Ishant Sharma picked up four wickets for a mere 34 runs and was instrumental in decimating the Lankan batting order.

Ajinkya Rahane, who scored his second ODI century, was declared the man of the match.

The second ODI of the series will be played on Thursday in Ahmedabad's Sardar Patel Stadium.