Sri Lanka v India, 2014-15

At Ranchi, November 16, 2014 (day/night). India won by three wickets. Toss: Sri Lanka. One-day international debuts: K. M. Jadhav; D. P. D. N. Dickwella.

Sri Lanka were vastly improved, but still couldn't prevent their first 5-0 blanking in a bilateral series. The match turned into a battle of the captains, who could hardly be separated: each made 139 not out, though Mathews faced 116 balls to Kohli's 126. It was the third time both captains had scored a century in a one-day international. Mathews's hundred was his first at this level, following 24 fifties, and - after bowling both Indian openers - he shaded Kohli to the match award, even if it was the home captain who emerged smiling. Mathews paced his innings immaculately, having walked in with his side in strife: first he provided stability, then blasted 114 off the last ten overs alongside Thirimanne. But Kohli's control of the chase was a thing of beauty. His third-wicket stand of 136 with Rayudu put India on track, and was curtailed only when they got tangled up in a run-out for the second time in the series. Kohli took on Mendis on a turning surface, however, and a pair of sixes in the penultimate over sealed India's clean sweep. It was their 100th victory over Sri Lanka in all internationals.
Man of the Match: A. D. Mathews. Man of the Series: V. Kohli.