Rayadu guides India to easy win against Sri Lanka (Roundup)

Indian middle-order batsman Ambati Rayudu hit his maiden One-Day International (ODI) century, an unbeaten knock of 121, to guide India to an easy six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second ODI of a five-match series here Thursday.

Rayudu faced only 118 deliveries to reach his century, hitting 10 fours and six sixes. He was helped in his cause by opener Shikhar Dhawan (79) and a smooth 49 from skipper Virat Kohli at the Sardar Patel Stadium here.

Chasing 275, India were jolted early with Ajinkya Rahane dismissed for 18 but after that it was smooth sailing for the Indians as victory was never in doubt for the hosts with Dhawan and Kohli ably supporting Rayadu.

Sri Lanka's lone bright spot in the bowling department was spinner Seekkuge Prasanna who claimed 3 wickets for 53 runs, but could not prevent India from winning as the home team reached their target of 275 runs with 33 balls to spare.

Earlier, Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews (92) and Kumar Sangakkara (61) helped Sri Lanka post 274 for eight.

The duo forged a 90-run partnership for the fourth wicket after their team were struggling at 54 for three in 13.5 overs.

Sangakkara, 37, hit four boundaries while Mathews hit a six and 10 fours to help the visitors set a fighting total for India.

The visitors got off to a poor start when opener Kusal Perera (0) was given leg before wicket off a right-arm fast bowler Umesh Yadav delivery in the first over.

Sangakkara joined Tilakaratne Dilshan (35) and the duo did the repair job and stitched a 51-run stand till left-arm spinner Axar Patel dismissed Dilshan.

Sri Lanka fell deeper into trouble as Mahela Jayawardene (4) hit a Ravichandran Ashwin delivery straight into the hands of deep mid-wicket fielder Shikhar Dhawan.

Sangakkara and Mathews came together and started the repair work. After a slow start, they upped the ante and scored at a healthy pace to lead the Sri Lankan fightback.

Sangakkara's innings ended when he miscued a full toss from Yadav into the hands of long-on fielder Dhawan, who completed a over-head catch with the team score reading 154 for four in 32.2 overs.

Mathews, however, continued to flourish despite losing Seekkuge Prasanna (13) and Ashan Priyanjan (1) within next five overs.

Axar and Ashwin removed Thisara Perera (10) and Suraj Randiv (10) before Dhammika Prasad (30) gave good support to his captain and forged a 54-run partnership in 40 balls to take the total to 274.