Virat Kohli Misses 12th Century in Kumar Sangakkara's Farewell Test

In his first full series as captain, Virat Kohli continued to impress with a powerful batting display in the first innings of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Thursday. But Kohli paid for his first mistake of the day, effectively missing his 12th Test ton by 22 runs.(Scorecard | Blog)

Rangana Herath, who destroyed India in Galle with his left-arm spin, ended Kohli's innings shortly after lunch. Angelo Mathews took a brilliant catch at slips as Kohli was out for 78 off 107 balls. The innings was studded with eight fours and a six, a knock that enabled India pick their pieces after a horrible start.

Kohli and Lokesh Rahul produced 164 valuable runs for the third wicket after India were 12 for 2 batting first on an easy-paced P. Sara Oval wicket. This is Kumar Sangakkara's farewell Test.

Kohli though was determined to seize the advantage back and applied himself beautifully to settle down. Having an equally determined Rahul at the other end also helped. India are 1-0 down in the three-match series having spectacularly lost the first match in Galle by 63 runs.

Kohli and Rahul were initially cautious but did manage to keep the score ticking. The singles were interspaced with the occasional boundaries, forcing captain Mathews to bring in Galle hero Herath.

Spin though only made life easier for the Indians as Kohli switched gears to reach his fifty off 63 deliveries. While Rahul did get a lifeline at 11, Kohli hardly made any errors and ensured India's fightback was on solid footing.

Rahul, too, managed to complete his fifty from 94 balls - allowing Kohli at the other end to lead the way.