Colombo [Sri Lanka]: The first ODI between India and Sri Lanka ended in a thrilling tie at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, with the spinners playing a pivotal role in the outcome. Despite a strong start by Indian captain Rohit Sharma, Sri Lankan spinners Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga managed to stifle India’s run chase, resulting in a tied match on Friday.
The three-match ODI series remains level at 0-0, with two more matches to play.
India’s Run Chase:
In pursuit of 231, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma gave India an explosive start alongside opener Shubman Gill, hitting Asitha Fernando for a four and a six in the opening over. Rohit continued his aggressive approach, smashing 15 runs off Mohammed Shiraz in the fourth over and reaching his half-century in just 33 balls. India reached 50 runs in just 5.3 overs.
However, Dunith Wellalage turned the tide by dismissing Shubman Gill for 16 and Rohit for 58, reducing India to 80/2. The middle order struggled, with Washington Sundar, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer falling cheaply to the spin duo of Wellalage and Hasaranga.
Axar Patel and KL Rahul attempted to stabilize the innings with a 57-run partnership, but Hasaranga and Asalanka struck again, leaving India at 189/6. Shivam Dube and Kuldeep Yadav took India close to victory, but Asalanka trapped Dube leg-before-wicket, leaving India with just one run to win. Asalanka then bowled Arshdeep Singh, ending the match in a dramatic tie.
Sri Lanka’s Innings:
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted 230/8, thanks to crucial contributions from Pathum Nissanka (56) and Dunith Wellalage (67*). Despite losing early wickets, Nissanka and Wellalage held the innings together. Indian bowlers, led by Axar Patel (2/33), kept the pressure on with regular wickets. Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube also chipped in with key dismissals.
Match Summary:
Sri Lanka: 230/8 in 50 overs (Dunith Wellalage 67*, Pathum Nissanka 56, Axar Patel 2/33)
India: 230 in 47.5 overs (Rohit Sharma 58, Axar Patel 33, Charith Asalanka 3/30)
Asalanka and Hasaranga were the standout bowlers for Sri Lanka, each taking three crucial wickets. The series now moves to the second ODI with both teams eager to take the lead.
