India vs Sri Lanka first Test — Kohli battles as India stretch lead past 200.

Johnson  Cherian.

India were 251 for five in their second innings at lunch on the fifth and final day of the opening cricket Test against Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Monday.

Virat Kohli (41) and R Ashwin (0) were at the crease at the break with India leading by 129 runs with 5 wickets remaining.

Having been bundled out for 172 in the first innings, Indian openers gave a flying start in the second innings. Shikhar Dhawan and K.L. Rahul wiped out the deficit of 122 runs and put India in a safe zone. India ended Day 4 on a strong note of 171 for 1 with KL Rahul and Pujara unbeaten on 73 and 2 respectively.

Sri Lanka were all out for 294 in the first innings and the game is edging towards a tame draw.