India and Sri Lanka played out a thrilling tie in the first ODI of the three-match series on Friday, August 2, at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka set a target of 230/8 in their allotted 50 overs, with Dunith Wellalage top-scoring for the hosts with an unbeaten 67 off 65 balls. In response, India was bowled out for 230 in 47.5 overs, as their batting line-up crumbled against the Sri Lankan spinners. Wanindu Hasaranga (3/58), Charith Asalanka (3/30), and Dunith Wellalage (2/39) were the standout bowlers for Sri Lanka.
India got off to a flying start thanks to captain Rohit Sharma's blistering 58 off 47 balls, which included seven fours and three sixes. However, Shubman Gill struggled to find his rhythm and was dismissed for 16 off 35 balls by Dunith Wellalage, with Kusal Mendis taking the catch. Rohit Sharma also fell to Wellalage, trapped in front of the stumps.
Washington Sundar, promoted to number four, could not capitalize on the opportunity and was dismissed for 5 off 4 balls by Akila Dananjaya, leaving India at 87/3 after 15.4 overs. A 43-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer brought India closer to the target, but their consecutive dismissals (Kohli for 24 off 32 and Iyer for 23 off 23) left India at 132/5 after 24.2 overs.
With the game finely balanced, KL Rahul and Axar Patel formed a crucial 57-run stand for the sixth wicket off 94 balls. However, their dismissals in quick succession (Rahul for 31 off 43 and Patel for 33 off 57) left India in a precarious position. Shivam Dube fought valiantly with a 25 off 24 balls, but in a dramatic end to the game, he and Arshdeep Singh were dismissed on consecutive deliveries by Charith Asalanka, resulting in a tie.
Earlier, Sri Lanka's innings was off to a shaky start with Mohammed Siraj (1/36 in 8 overs) dismissing Avishka Fernando early. Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka attempted to stabilize the innings, but their 39-run partnership was broken by Shivam Dube (1/19 in 4 overs), who trapped Mendis lbw in the 14th over.
The Indian spin trio of Axar Patel (2/33), Kuldeep Yadav (1/33), and Washington Sundar (1/46 in 9 overs) then wreaked havoc, reducing Sri Lanka to 101/5 by dismissing Sadeera Samarawickrama (8 off 18), Charith Asalanka (14 off 21), and Pathum Nissanka (56 off 75).
Dunith Wellalage held the Sri Lankan innings together, forming vital partnerships with Janith Liyanage (20 off 26), Wanindu Hasaranga (24 off 35), and Akila Dananjaya (17 off 21). His unbeaten 67 off 65 balls, featuring seven fours and two sixes, helped Sri Lanka post a competitive total of 230/8.
The match showcased a blend of resilience and drama, setting the stage for an exciting series between the two sides.
Â
