SL vs IND, 1st ODI, 2024: Charith Asalanka's double strike and Dunith Wellalage's all-round show helps Sri Lanka tie game with India.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 230/8 (Dunith Wellalage 67*, Pathum Nissanka 56, Axar Patel 2/33) tied with India 230 (Rohit Sharma 58, Axar Patel 33, Charith Asalanka 3/30).
Player of the Match: Dunith Wellalage (67*65 & 2/39)
India and Sri Lanka reignited their ODI rivalry as the two Asian giants took on each other in the first of a three-match series at Colombo. This was the men in blue’s first ODI game of 2024 and the one that will start their preparation for the Champions Trophy 2025.
The match was Topsy-turvy from the start and eventually ended in a tie. This was largely thanks to Lanka’s spinners and especially Asalanka’s double strike in the game’s final over.
On a sorry streak of six back-to-back defeats in the format against India, Sri Lanka's new skipper, Charith Asalanka, won the toss and opted to bat first. Mohammad Siraj, Sri Lanka, didn’t take to give India the breakthrough, but the pair of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis played sensibly to see them through the powerplay.
However, it didn’t last long, as the introduction of spin slowed things down, and barring Nissanka (56), none of the other batters looked settled. At 142/6, SL were at the risk of getting bowled out rather meekly, but an unbeaten 65 from Dunith Wellalage and a useful cameo from Hasaranga propelled them to a decent total of 230 on a turning track.
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Rohit Sharma was in T20 mode early on, helping India reach 50 in just the sixth over. However, like in the first innings, batting became a little challenging when spinners were operating, and this led to India losing three quick wickets (75/1 to 87/3). Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer kept India going through their 53-run stand, but Lankan bowlers picked them up in successive overs.
A partnership was needed, and India got it in the form of KL Rahul and Axar Patel, who made 57 for the sixth wicket. Their dismissals meant Sri Lanka came storming back to the game even as Shivam Dube's 25 took India ever so close.
Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka’s 3-wicket haul helped the hosts salvage a thrilling tie.
Statistical highlights from SL vs IND, 1st ODI
Shivam Dube took his maiden ODI wicket in his second game, and Kusal Mendis became his first victim.
Dunith Wellalage registered his highest ODI score of 67* against a formidable India bowling line-up.
SL opener Pathum Nissanka became the first batter to cross the 500-run mark (553 in 7 innings) in ODIs in 2024. He scored a double ton (210*) earlier in the year.
What’s Next
After a forgettable performance in the third T20I encounter, Sri Lanka came back strong with a spirited show. They held a strong India side to a tie in the opening ODI game. The sides will now play the second game at the same venue on Sunday.
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