The first ODI between India and Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium ended in a dramatic tie, thanks to an all-round performance from Sri Lankan players.
Sri Lanka, batting first, faced early challenges as they slumped to 101/5 on a spin-friendly pitch. However, Dunith Wellalage’s unbeaten 67 and vital partnerships helped them reach a competitive total of 230/8. Wellalage’s innings included seven fours and two sixes off 65 balls. He combined effectively with Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Akila Dananjaya in crucial stands, contributing 41, 36, and 46 runs respectively.
India’s chase began with a strong start from Rohit Sharma, who scored 58. His aggressive play, including a six and several boundaries, set the pace for the innings. Shubman Gill also made a solid contribution before falling to Wellalage’s dot-ball pressure.
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Sri Lanka’s spinners – Hasaranga, Wellalage, and Dananjaya – turned the match around, dismissing key Indian batsmen like Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. Despite a resilient effort from KL Rahul and Axar Patel, who had a crucial 57-run partnership, the match remained evenly poised. The partnership ended with Rahul’s dismissal, and soon after, Axar Patel was out, leaving India with a tense finish.
In the final overs, despite strong contributions from Shivam Dube and Mohammed Siraj, Sri Lanka’s spinners, especially Hasaranga, struck crucial blows. Dube was dismissed lbw by Hasaranga with just one run needed, and the match concluded with a tie as Arshdeep Singh was also trapped lbw by Hasaranga.
Earlier, Sri Lanka’s innings saw half-centuries from Pathum Nissanka and Wellalage, with Nissanka scoring 56. The innings was marked by a mix of resilient batting and tactical spin bowling. Despite a mid-innings wobble, Sri Lanka managed to post a challenging total, thanks in part to Wellalage’s impressive finish.
The thrilling encounter provided plenty of entertainment for the fans, leaving both teams and spectators eagerly anticipating the next game in the series.
Sri Lanka: 230/8 in 50 overs (Dunith Wellalage 67*; Axar Patel 2-33, Arshdeep Singh 2-46)
India: 230 all out in 47.5 overs (Rohit Sharma 58; Charith Asalanka 3-30, Wanindu Hasaranga 3-58)
Match Result: Tie
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