AFP

PERTH (AUSTRALIA) YOUNGSTER Virat Kohli steered India to a four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the tri-series one-day international inPerth Wednesday before losing his wicket in dramatic fashion.

Although Sachin Tendulkar again failed in his quest to score his long-awaited 100th international century, Kohli’s impressive 77 ensured the Indians notched a comfortable win.

Sri Lanka made 233-8 after winning the toss and electing to bat, but India replied with 234-6, reaching the victory target with 20 balls to spare.

Kohli unfortunately ran himself out and seemed to suffer a hamstring injury in his superb knock. The 23-year-old was run out by a direct hit from Lasith Malinga at mid-on.

He faced 94 balls, hitting eight boundaries and one six, and Indian captain M.S. Dhoni said he was hopeful it wasn’t a hamstring strain.

It was the first time India and Sri Lanka had met in a one-day international since last year’s World Cup final, which India again won, that time by six wickets.

Dinesh Chandimal’s polished knock of 64 from 81 balls was the mainstay of the Sri Lankan innings and at least helped them post a competitive total.

Several of the Sri Lankan batsmen squandered promising starts, including opener Tillakaratne Dilshan (48) and veteran Kumar Sangakkara (26), but the 22-year-old Chandimal was the only one to reach 50.

Ashwin was the pick of the Indian bowlers with 3-32 from his 10 overs, while recalled paceman Zaheer Khan picked up 2-44 from 10 overs.