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Sri Lanka orchestrated a remarkable resurgence to conclude their first ODI against India in a thrilling deadlock. This match marked only the second ODI tie between the two teams (the first one transpired during the Commonwealth Bank Series in 2012) and was the 10th ODI in which India finished the game with tied scores.
The hosts concluded with a modest total of 230 for the loss of eight wickets, highlighted by Dunith Wellalage's impressive unbeaten 67* off 65 deliveries, marking his highest ODI score. Earlier, Pathum Nissanka had contributed a well-compiled 14th ODI half-century. Of the six bowlers employed, excluding Shubman Gill, each claimed at least one wicket and played a crucial role in containing the Sri Lankan batters effectively.
In the run-chase, Rohit Sharma ignited the innings with a frenetic assault during the powerplay, demonstrating an aggressive intent. However, following his dismissal for a robust 58, India experienced a brief yet significant collapse. The situation stabilized somewhat with KL Rahul and Axar Patel at the crease, but another twist emerged as neither could remain until the end and were dismissed. Ultimately, the game concluded with the scores tied, as the Lankan spinners executed a suffocating spell that left the Indian batters struggling to score.
Sri Lankan batters crumble (yet again)
There was ample evidence of Sri Lankan batters disintegrating like a house of cards, and this match proved no exception. The only variation in this instance was their collapse occurring in the first half of their innings. From 46/1 in the 13th over, they lost four wickets in the span of 10.3 overs, once again placing themselves in a precarious situation.
Axar and Kuldeep spin a web
It was the partnership of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav that masterfully ensnared the Sri Lankan batters, depriving them of any opportunity to unleash their full strokeplay. Together, they secured a combined total of three wickets, conceding merely 33 runs each. Their meticulous control was evident as they restricted the opposition to just six boundaries throughout their 120 deliveries, effectively applying the brakes on the scoring rate.
Rohit's free-flowing elegance endures as the rest of the batting order collapses
With seven boundaries and three sixes, Rohit Sharma appeared as though he was operating in a different realm entirely. It seemed as though his scintillating T20I form from the World Cup had carried over, as he exhibited remarkable comfort at the crease. However, apart from Rohit, no other batter was able to find their rhythm, struggling against the turn generated by the Lankan bowlers. This highlighted the inadequacies of the other Indian batters in adapting to the conditions as well as the pressure exerted on them.
Sri Lankan skipper, Charith Asalanka said
I did (believe we could defend the total), but we should have done a bit more well to restrict them under 230. In the afternoon, it turned more. Under lights, it became easier to bat. (On bowling himself) The left-hander came in to bat and I thought I could bowl as it spun a lot. I am happy about the the energy in the field and the way the boys played in the second half. Dunith's knock and Nissanka batted extremely well.
Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma said
The scores are gettable, it's just that you have to bat well to get that score. We batted well in patches. There was no consistent momentum through the game for us. We started really well with the bat but we knew the game will start after 10 overs once the spinners come in to bowl. We had the upper hand to start with, then we lost a couple of wickets and fell behind the game. With the partnership that KL and Axar had, we again came back into the game pretty well. In the end, little disappointing, 14 balls, 1 run to get. These things happen. Sri Lanka played well. In the end, it was a fair result. It (pitch) remained the same. There was bite in the first 25 overs when we bowled and it was the same for them as well. As the game went on, the seam wore off for both teams and it was a bit easier to bat. It's not where you can just come and play your shots and get runs. You have to apply yourself and dig in really well to get that score. Proud of the way how we fought till the end. The game shifted towards both teams at different times. It was important to hold the nerve and stay in the game. We should have got that one run.
Player of the Match, Dunith Wellalage said
I came with a plan. The wicket was turning. Spinners bowled really well, I wanted to put their bowlers under pressure. Me and Janith Liyanage wanted to put some partnership. After that, Wanindu Hasaranga came and we had a good partnership. The wicket was slow. We planned to score 220. Wicket was a little bit better during the second innings. Our skipper and Wanindu Hasaranga changed the game. We played a good match today.
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