India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI: The 1st ODI between India and Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo ended in a nail biting tie, setting an electrifying tone for the three match series. In a game that swung like a pendulum, both teams exhibited resilience and skill, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Let’s have a look into more details: India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI
Charith Asalanka’s Late Heroics for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka turned the game on its head in the dying moments. His two successive wickets in the final stages snatched a victory from India’s grasp, forcing a dramatic tie. Asalanka’s performance, coupled with Dunith Wellalage’s all round show, was pivotal for the hosts.
Rohit Sharma’s Commanding Return
Leading India in his first 50 over game since the 2023 World Cup final, Rohit Sharma showcased his prowess with a quick fire half century. His 56 off 33 balls laid a solid foundation for India’s chase. Despite his efforts, India faltered in crucial moments, unable to secure the win.
Sri Lanka’s Steady Start
Sri Lanka, after opting to bat first, posted a respectable 230/8 in their 50 overs. Pathum Nissanka’s gritty 56 and Dunith Wellalage’s career best 67 were instrumental in propelling the hosts past the 200 run mark. The Indian bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj, shared eight wickets among them, keeping the Lankan batsmen in check.
India’s Middle Order Struggles
India’s middle order, featuring Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and Washington Sundar, struggled to maintain momentum. Despite a promising start by Rohit Sharma, wickets fell at regular intervals. Kohli managed 24 off 32 balls, while Iyer scored 23 off 23. The pressure of a tight run chase was evident as the Indian batsmen failed to deliver consistently.
KL Rahul and Axar Patel’s Resilient Stand
KL Rahul and Axar Patel offered hope with a 57 run partnership, reviving India’s chase. Rahul’s 31 and Axar’s 33 were crucial, but they couldn’t steer India to victory. Shivam Dube’s spirited 25 off 24 balls brought India close, but his dismissal left the team stranded at 230, resulting in a tie.
Asalanka’s Game Changing Over
Charith Asalanka’s decisive over saw the fall of Arshdeep Singh, ending India’s innings and sealing the tie. Asalanka’s composure under pressure was remarkable, and his dual strikes in consecutive deliveries turned the game in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Post match, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma acknowledged the target was achievable but lamented the lack of consistent batting momentum. “We batted well in patches. With the KL-Axar partnership, we came back. Little disappointing at the end. These things happen. Sri Lanka played well. In the end, it was a fair result,” Sharma stated.
Player of the Match: Dunith Wellalage
Dunith Wellalage was deservedly named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution. Reflecting on the game, he said, “I wanted to put their bowlers under pressure. Me and Janith wanted to put some partnership. After that, I had a good partnership with Hasaranga. The wicket was slow. We planned to score 220. Our skipper and Wanindu Hasaranga changed the game. We played a wonderful match today.”
This tie marked the first since 2012 between these two teams, highlighting the competitive spirit and resilience of both sides. India and Sri Lanka will now look forward to the 2nd ODI, hoping to gain an upper hand in the series.
Read more : Paris 2024 Olympics : BCCI Pledges Rs 8.5 Crore to Support Indian Athletes at Paris 2024 Olympics
