In the opening One-Day International (ODI) of the three-match series, India and Sri Lanka were locked in an exciting draw on Friday in Colombo. When Sri Lanka decided to bat, composed fifties from Pathum Nissanka and Dunith Wellalage allowed them to reach a respectable 230 for 8 after decided to batting first.
Due to conditions that significantly favour slow bowlers, the total was higher than what shown on the scoreboard. Wellalage scored seven fours and two sixes in his 67 not out off 65 balls. Out of 75 balls, Nissanka made 56.
While seamers Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj each contributed a wicket, left-arm orthodox spinner Axar Patel (2/33 in 10 overs) and wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav (1/33 in 10 overs) were economical. There were 118 runs scored in the last 20 overs. Rohit Sharma, the captain, led the chase with 58 off 47 balls. Axar Patel (33) and KL Rahul (31) also contributed, but they were unable to seal the victory. The hosts’ two best bowlers were Wanindu Hasaranga (3/58) and Charith Asalanka (3/30).
KL Rahul and Axar Patel put up a 57-run partnership to secure India’s 231 run chase, but they were unable to lead their team to victory. In the 47th over, Shivam Dube, making an important cameo, pushed India on the verge of victory with a boundary. Dube was unable to complete the game, though, as the Indian hitter was dismissed for 25 from 24 balls. As India folded for 230 to end the match in a tie, captain Charith Asalanka completed Sri Lanka’s dramatic comeback and castled Arshdeep Singh on the following ball
Read more: https://thelocaljournalist.com/after-52-years-india-beat-australia-in-olympics-history/
