Colombo: Virat Kohli's exceptional physical condition was on full display as he notched his 47th ODI century, while the returning KL Rahul made an equally impressive century, propelling India to a record-breaking 228-run victory over a lackluster Pakistan in a rain-interrupted Super Four match of the Asia Cup on Sunday.
This win marks India's most significant margin of victory in terms of runs against their neighboring rivals.
India posted an imposing total of 356 for 2, with Kohli (122 not out off 94 balls) and Rahul (111 not out off 106 balls) both playing brilliantly. Rahul's century was his sixth in ODIs and came after a period of absence due to injury, and he also took on the wicketkeeping duties, showcasing his return to full fitness.
When the day began with India at 147 for 2 in 24.1 overs, it was crucial for Kohli and Rahul, the overnight batsmen, to build substantial innings, and they did so with style. Their unbeaten partnership of 233 runs for the third wicket set a new record for India against Pakistan in ODIs.
During his 77th international century, Kohli achieved some personal milestones, becoming the fastest batsman to reach 13,000 ODI runs and scoring his fourth century in as many innings at the R Premadasa Stadium.
Kohli is only the second batsman to accomplish the feat of scoring four successive hundreds at a single venue, following South Africa's Hashim Amla's achievement at Centurion.
However, Rahul's century was equally important for the team. He batted for 141 minutes without any signs of discomfort, and his innings showcased his return to top form.
Beyond the statistics, the innings of Kohli and Rahul had an immeasurable aesthetic quality. The ball came nicely onto the bat, and Pakistan's bowling attack was weakened due to the absence of the injured Haris Rauf.
Except for Naseem Shah, none of the other four Pakistani bowlers could seriously challenge Kohli and Rahul, who batted with flair. Kohli started cautiously, allowing Rahul to take the lead, but once he crossed the fifty mark, Kohli shifted gears seamlessly.
Kohli's transformation was evident when he aggressively played a delivery from pacer Faheem Ashraf through the covers for a boundary. From that point on, he never looked back.
His first fifty came in 55 balls, and the remaining 72 runs came in just 39 balls as Pakistan's bowlers faced a daunting task. Sensing Kohli's aggressive intent, Rahul slightly eased off the gas pedal.
Rahul knew that a big score was within reach, and he maintained his focus. Pakistan's bowlers erred in length against Rahul, giving him room outside the off-stump, which he exploited for easy boundaries.
Kohli and Rahul celebrated their centuries, and Kohli saved his best for the last over, striking two boundaries and a six to finish in style.
The Indian bowlers didn't need to perform exceptionally as they were defending a total of 357, and the highest-ever successful run chase at this venue was 292.
Pacer Jasprit Bumrah, making his ODI comeback after nearly a year, provided India with the perfect start, dismissing Imam-ul-Haq early.
Hardik Pandya then removed Pakistan captain Babar Azam, further denting their hopes.
Kuldeep Yadav, India's standout ODI bowler this year, accelerated Pakistan's downfall with his unplayable variations, taking five wickets.
Injured Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah didn't even come out to bat, as Indian bowlers didn't have to strive too hard to secure a resounding victory.