SL vs IND, 1st ODI: Sri Lanka Pull Off Thrilling Draw Against India

Colombo: Sri Lanka managed a dramatic draw against India in the first ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium on Friday. Despite posting a total of 230/8, thanks to contributions from Pathum Nissanka (56) and Dunith Wellalage (67*), India fell short in their chase, ending at 230 in 47.5 overs.

Rohit Sharma provided a quick start to India, scoring a fiery 58 off 47 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. However, despite his efforts, lack of contributions from Shubman Gill (16) and Washington Sundar (5) left India struggling. The pivotal partnership between Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, which added 43 runs, could not prevent the collapse.

India’s middle order faltered as Kohli and Iyer were dismissed, leaving the team at 132 for five. A vital 57-run stand between KL Rahul and Axar Patel was short-lived, as both were dismissed in quick succession.

Sri Lanka’s innings began poorly with an early dismissal of Avishka Fernando by Mohammed Siraj. Despite this, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis steadied the innings. Sri Lanka’s batting struggles were evident as they collapsed from 46 for two to 101 for five, with key contributions from Nissanka and Wellalage.

Sadeera Samarawickrama fell victim to Axar Patel and Charith Asalanka’s innings was cut short by Kuldeep Yadav. Despite Nissanka’s dismissal, a resilient lower-order performance from Janith Liyanage and Wellalage helped Sri Lanka surpass the 200-run mark.

With the second ODI set for August 4, both teams will aim to capitalise on their strengths and rectify the flaws showcased in this thrilling encounter.