If Sri Lanka squandered games from winning positions in the three-match T20 series, it was India’s turn on Friday to mess up a relatively simple chase in the first one-day international at the R. Premadasa Stadium, leading to a sensational tie.
India’s Chase Falters in Final Overs
Chasing 231, India needed just five runs off the last three overs with two wickets in hand. When Shivam Dube (25) hit Charith Asalanka (3 for 30) to the cover boundary in the 48th over, the game seemed over. But the Lankan skipper fought back, trapping Dube and Arshdeep Singh leg-before off consecutive deliveries, saving pride for his team.
On a tricky pitch aiding spinners, India started strong but faltered in the middle as Lankan spinners picked wickets at regular intervals.
Rohit Sharma (58 off 47 balls, 7×4, 3×6) set the tone, showcasing his classic pulls, flicks, and cuts, sending the Lankan pacers on a leather hunt during the PowerPlay. He attacked the spinners too, cutting Dunith Wellalage for boundaries and sweeping Akila Dananjaya for a four and six over square-leg, reaching his half-century in just 33 balls.
However, left-arm spinner Wellalage (2 for 39) provided a breakthrough, removing openers Shubman Gill and Rohit in successive overs. From 75 for no loss, India slumped to 87 for three when Dananjaya trapped Washington Sundar leg-before.
Sri Lanka’s Innings Overview
Wanindu Hasaranga (3 for 58) then trapped Virat Kohli plumb in front, and Asitha bowled Shreyas Iyer in the next over, leaving India tottering at 132 for five.
K.L. Rahul (31) and Axar Patel (33) built a 57-run partnership to stabilize the innings. Just as things looked under control, Hasaranga removed Rahul, and Asalanka had Axar caught behind. Dube hit two sixes but couldn’t finish the job.
Earlier, half-centuries from opener Pathum Nissanka (56) and later Wellalage (67 not out) helped Lanka post 230 for eight after choosing to bat. Nissanka, continuing his good form from the T20 series, looked positive, playing eye-catching shots.
However, Nissanka lacked support from the middle order, and Sri Lanka found themselves at 101 for five. Fortunately, Wellalage played a composed knock, building three crucial partnerships with the lower order to help his side reach a fighting total. Though it wasn’t enough to secure a win, it helped avoid an 11th straight defeat to India across formats.
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