After Shivam Dube had scored a boundary off Charith Asalanka in the 48th over of the second innings, India sensed victory in the first ODI as the scores were level. However, the Sri Lanka spinner then picked the wickets of Dube and Arshdeep Singh in the next two consecutive deliveries to end the game in a tie.
The Indian dressing room, that was elated after Dube’s four in the 48th over, looked shell-shocked two balls later. Nevertheless, the home crowd at R Premadasa stadium loved the finish as the first ODI of the three-match series between Sri Lanka and India resulted in a tie.
Earlier, Indian spinners bowled brilliantly to restrict Sri Lanka to 230 runs in the first innings. Pathum Nissanka played well for his 56-run knock off 75 balls but wickets kept falling at the other end in short intervals.
Siraj sent Avishka Fernando (1) early in the third over. Shivam Dube trapped Kusal Mendis (14) leg before in the 14th over, while Axar Patel had his first wicket in the form of Samarawickrama (8) in the 19th over of the innings.
Pathum Nissanka’s wicket in the 24th over had Sri Lanka reeling at 101 for 5. It seemed like they might not reach past the 200-run mark, given the amount of turn that the pitch offered.
However, Dunish Wellalage forged crucial partnerships with Liyanage (20), Hasaranga (24), and Akila Danajaya (17) to take Sri Lanka’s total to 230 at the end of the first innings. Dunish Wellalage played an unbeaten knock of 67 runs in 65 deliveries.
As for India’s bowling, Axar Patel was the standout performer, claiming 2 for 33 in 10 overs. In pursuit of the target, skipper Rohit Sharma gave the team a solid start. The opening pair of Gill and Sharma added 75 runs before the former departed in the 13th over.
Rohit Sharma ensured India got a solid start. He brought up a fine half-century off just 33 deliveries, including nine fours and three sixes. However, after he departed in the 15th over, the run rate began to fall and wickets fell in short intervals.
Virat Kohli (24), KL Rahul (31), Shreyas Iyer (23), and Axar Patel (33) chipped with notable contributions but neither of them could carry on and play a big knock. The wickets of KL Rahul and Axar Patel in consecutive overs brought Sri Lanka back into the game.
However, Shivam Dube (25 off 24) held his nerves and took India closer to the target. But, unfortunately, he couldn’t score the final run, and the last hope, Arshdeep Singh departed on the very next ball.
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