After Sri Lankan bowlers put up a nervy performance to demolish India in the first ODI match of the three-match series on Friday at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, both India and Sri Lanka found themselves locked in a dramatic tie. Both teams finished with identical scores, leading to the tie. India had needed one run to win the game with power-hitter Shivam Dube on strike, but Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka remained determined trapping Dube lbw. And, he got Arshdeep Singh on his next ball to bowl out India for 230 in 47.5 overs. 

Earlier, Sri Lanka, opting to bat first, managed to post a fighting total of 230/8 in 50 overs. The highlight of their innings was a composed half-century from opener Pathum Nissanka, whose 56-run knock anchored Lanka’s innings. Despite regular wickets falling at the other end, Nissanka’s resilience provided Sri Lanka with a respectable total. And, a scintillating knock from young Dunith Wellalage (67) pushed the total to 230.

India’s chase began on a positive note after skipper Rohit Sharma played a crucial role, scoring a steady 58-run innings that kept India on top. However, the middle-order batters struggled to capitalise on the platform Sharma had set, with Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli departing cheaply. Sri Lanka’s spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage were instrumental in wreaking havoc by claiming quick wickets and putting India on the back foot.

India’s lower order found it increasingly difficult to deal with Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling attack. Despite some late resistance from KL Rahul and Axar Patel scoring (31) and (33) respectively, India fell short of the target, ending their innings at 230 all out. Dube, meanwhile, made some brilliant efforts but couldn’t carry India home.