SL vs IND: 1st ODI Review – Late come back from Sri Lanka ties the game in Colombo
The ODI series between India and Sri Lanka commenced with the first of three matches at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Both teams implemented significant changes to their squad from the final T20I, setting the stage for an engaging contest.
Charith Asalanka chose to bat first after winning the toss, marking his first such decision this series. Avishka Fernando, absent from the T20Is, was dismissed for one run in the third over by Mohammed Siraj as his misdirected swat was caught at deep-third. Shivam Dube, playing his first ODI since December 2019, made an impact by dismissing Mendis just over 10 overs later, with the Hawk-Eye confirming the decision as Dube’s maiden ODI wicket. Pathum Nissanka, reprieved in the eighth over, reached his 14th ODI half-century but was dismissed for 56, leaving Sri Lanka at 94/4.
Janith Liyanage and Dunith Wellalage looked to stabilize the innings, but Liyanage’s dismissal under unclear circumstances perplexed the coaching staff. A 46-run eighth-wicket partnership between Wellalage and Akila Dananjaya was one of the main reasons for raising the total to 230/8.
Wellalage’s unbeaten 67* was the highest score of the innings, while Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav each took three wickets between themselves, conceding 33 runs each. The Indian run-chase ignited with Rohit Sharma’s explosive start, as he launched a six off the second delivery with ease. The innings surged forward as Lankan debutant Mohamed Shiraz was pummeled for 15 runs in an over as India racked up 71 runs in the powerplay.
However, the loss of a few quick wickets put India in a precarious position. Asitha Fernando dismissed Shreyas Iyer for 23, leaving India at 132/5 by the 25th over with Rohit and Kohli also back in the hut. Sri Lankan spinners then applied relentless pressure, restricting the Indian batsmen. Despite a valiant effort by KL Rahul and Axar Patel, both fell, leaving Shivam Dube to salvage the innings. Dube’s untimely dismissal, with just one need for victory, led to a tie as Arshdeep Singh was also pinned on the pads.
Hasaranga and Asalanka each took three wickets, pivotal in the dramatic conclusion. Apart from Rohit, no Indian batter looked completely comfortable at the crease, which could be attributed as the main reason why India failed to chase the subpar target set for victory.
Top Performers of the Match
Best Batter – Rohit Sharma (58 off 47)
The captain seamlessly carried over his dynamic T20 World Cup form, relentlessly dominating the Lankans during the powerplay. His audacious approach, characterized by seven boundaries and three sixes, effectively placed Sri Lanka on the back foot and shifted the momentum in India’s favour.
Best Bowler – Charith Asalanka (3/30 in 8.5 overs)
When he came on to bowl in the 29th over of the run-chase, few could have anticipated the impact he would make. The skipper, unafraid to flight the ball, extracted vicious spin on several occasions. He remarkably concluded the game with two wickets in consecutive deliveries, establishing himself as the most economical bowler in the Sri Lankan lineup.
What’s next for both teams?
India and Sri Lanka are set to face off again on Sunday, August 4, at the same venue for the second ODI.
