In a dramatic first one-day international at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka and India played to a thrilling tie as Charith Asalanka emerged as the hero for the home side.
Sri Lanka posted 230-8 in their 50 overs, thanks to Dunith Wellalage’s unbeaten 67 runs and Pathum Nissanka’s steady 56. In response, India matched the total but fell short in the final moments, being bowled out for 230 in 47.5 overs.
Asalanka’s pivotal role came when India needed just one run to win with two wickets in hand and 15 deliveries remaining. He struck in consecutive balls, trapping Shivam Dube lbw for 25 before dismissing Arshdeep Singh, also lbw, for a duck.
This tie marked the second time that an ODI between the two nations ended with level scores, following their first tie in February 2012 when both teams scored 236-9 at the Adelaide Oval. Remarkably, it was also the second consecutive tied match between these teams within four days, as their final T20 international in Pallekele on Tuesday had also ended in a tie, with India winning in the super over.
Earlier in the match, Indian bowlers Arshdeep (2-47) and Axar Patel (2-33) put in solid performances, helping to contain Sri Lanka’s scoring. Despite the modest total, Rohit Sharma, in his first international outing since leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup in June, set the stage with a swift 58 off 47 balls before falling to Wellalage.
Virat Kohli (24), KL Rahul (31), and Patel (33) all contributed to India’s chase but failed to build significant partnerships, as Wanindu Hasaranga took 3 wickets for 58 runs.
Reflecting on the match, Rohit Sharma stated, “The score was gettable; you just had to bat well to achieve it. We batted well in patches, and it’s disappointing not to get that one run, but I’m proud of how we fought.”
The second match of the three-match series is scheduled for Sunday at the same venue.
Credit: BBC Sport
