Hambantota, July 22: Virat Kohli scored yet another hundred in international cricket on Saturday and the young Indian batsman said the Test century he scored against formidable Australia in their own backyard in the last season, gave him the confidence to do well in all formats.
Kohli on Saturday scored his 12th ODI hundred, his fourth in last five innings, to contribute in India's tense 21-run win over Sri Lanka in the first one-day match.
"Doing well in Australia, a strong side, really boosted my confidence, and that Test hundred really helped. You get maximum satisfaction when you score runs in Test cricket. I got confident about my game," Kohli said.
"God's been kind, I've been working hard. Hopefully I can be consistent for the team this season. Performing for my country is the biggest thing for me, and I try to give my best out there for the team," he added.
Sri Lanka gave India some scary moments while chasing 315 to win but fell short by 21 runs.
Host skipper Mahela Jayawardene rued that they left too much work for the lower-order big hitters.
"We've got some big-hitters at the end, but we left too much for them to do. Too many mistakes, against a quality side like India. It was important for us to set up a platform, Sanga was trying to build an innings. We never had momentum going into the last 10 overs," Jayawardene said.
"We'll try to refocus and come back strong. Kulasekara and Lasith are two big guys I rely on during the Powerplays, but we need to improve our standards in the field," Jayawardene added.
India skipper was not happy with the way they conceded runs in the last 10 overs but praised Irfan Pathan.
"The death bowling for us needs to improve. Zak was good, one good positive was Irfan Pathan doing well. Without Jadeja or Yuvraj, it is difficult to make a side balanced in both departments so this was important. It's a good learning experience for the younger bowlers," he said.
Dhoni thanked heavens for letting him win the toss. "This was one game where I felt the toss would be crucial. In the second innings, there was variable bounce and it was a little difficult to bat on," he said.
India put up a big total but Dhoni said his batting line up need to do better.
"Gautam was unfortunate to get out in that fashion. Sehwag and Kohli batted very well, we are lacking a bit of firepower down the line. Once the batsmen who are set carry on, then me, and the likes of Raina can go and express ourselves," he said.
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