In a thrilling opener to the three-match ODI series, India and Sri Lanka ended the first ODI in Colombo on Friday with a dramatic tie.
Sri Lanka, opting to bat first, set a challenging target by scoring 230 for 8. Composed fifties from Dunith Wellalage and Pathum Nissanka anchored the innings, with Wellalage contributing an unbeaten 67 off 65 balls, including seven fours and two sixes. Nissanka added 56 off 75 balls. The total proved competitive, given the conditions favoring slow bowlers. Indian bowlers performed well, with left-arm orthodox spinner Axar Patel (2/33 in 10 overs) and wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav (1/33 in 10 overs) keeping the scoring in check. Seamers Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj each claimed a wicket, while 118 runs were scored in the last 20 overs.
In response, India struggled but showed determination. Skipper Rohit Sharma scored 58 off 47 balls, and Axar Patel (33) and KL Rahul (31) contributed crucial runs. However, India fell just short, ending at 230 all out in 47.5 overs. Charith Asalanka (3/30) and Wanindu Hasaranga (3/58) were standout performers for Sri Lanka, securing key breakthroughs.
The match, played at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, ended in a tie. Consequently, this result sets the stage for an exciting continuation of the series.
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