Shikhar Dhawan in action (Reuters)

LONDON: Shikhar Dhawan led the India charge with a blistering 125 as the holders piled up 321 for six against Sri Lanka in the Champions Trophy on Thursday.

After scoring 68 in India´s 124-run victory against Pakistan in their Group B opener, Dhawan overpowered the Sri Lanka attack with another swaggering display at The Oval.

The 31-year-old hit 15 fours and one six in his 128-ball innings, receiving strong support from fellow opener Rohit Sharma (78) and MS Dhoni (63).

India´s total was the highest of the tournament so far, surpassing the 319 for three they amassed against Pakistan.

Kohli walks off dejected after losing his wicket (Reuters)

It was a typically muscular effort from India as they pursue an 11th win from their last 14 ODI matches, and a 15th victory in their last 18 meetings with Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka, beaten by 99 runs against South Africa in their first match, face a daunting task as they try to keep alive their hopes of making the semi-finals.

India started with an impressive first wicket partnership of 138-runs between Rohit Sharman and Dhawan. The opening stand was broken by Lasith Malinga as he took the wicket of Sharma (78) in 24th over. 

Virat Kohli faced his first duck in an ICC tournament today as he nicked a delivery of Nuwan Pradeep. 

On the 33 over, Yuvraj Singh was bold by Gunaratne after playing 7 off 18. 

Dhawan celebrates on reaching his century with MS Dhoni  (Reuters)

 

Earlier, Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews won the toss and elected to bowl in Thursday´s Champions Trophy clash against India at The Oval.

After losing their opening Group B match against South Africa, Sri Lanka desperately need a win as they battle to reach the semi-finals.

Mathews, fit after a calf injury, returned to the line-up in place of the suspended Upul Tharanga as one of three Sri Lanka changes.

Thisara Perera came in for Seekkuge Prasanna and Danushka Gunathilaka played in place of the injured Chamara Kapugedera.

"The pressure is on today but we won´t think about it. We´ll just go and enjoy ourselves," Mathews said.

"It feels awesome to be back in the team. I can´t bowl and it does affect the team so that´s why we have strengthened our bowling."

India were unchanged after thrashing arch-rivals Pakistan in their opener and a second successive win would effectively book a place in the semi-finals for the holders.

India captain Virat Kohli, meanwhile, has told his teammates not to get carried away by the praise that has come their way since they beat Pakistan.

"Sometimes, starting with the tournament, creating momentum as a team, you can misfield, you can get overexcited," he said.

"I don't think when you are playing good cricket, you should look too much into the praise factor.

"At this moment we are playing some good cricket but that doesn't mean that we play with arrogance... In this sport, anyone can upset anyone on their given day... you certainly cannot even think of taking anyone lightly."

India are currently at the top of the group due to their superior run rate.

Squads