The first One-Day International (ODI) between India and Sri Lanka is currently underway at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The hosts lost the toss and were asked to bat first by the Islanders. The decision of Dasun Shanaka, however, went against him as Indian captain Rohit Sharma along with his opening partner Shubman Gill started the proceedings on a flyer.
Both Rohit and Shubman went absolute berserk and demolished the Sri Lanka bowling attack, adding 100 runs for the opening wicket inside 15 overs. During the 7th over, Rohit smacked Kasun Rajitha for a biggie as India reached 50. It all happened on the fourth ball of the over when Rohit danced down the track and clobbered this short ball over deep mid-wicket for the second six of the over.
Here is the video:
Isse kehte hai TOOFAANI shot! 💥@ImRo45, we need more of these 🤩#OneFamily #INDvSLpic.twitter.com/nM7abB315B
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) January 10, 2023
Rohit and Shubman formed a scintillating opening partnership of 143 in 19.4 overs. Rohit’s counterpart Shanaka broke the stand after he caught Shubman on the front. It was a good length delivery which nipped back into the right-hander. The 23-year-old shuffled across and went for a flick but missed it completely as the white leather struck on the pad, in front of the middle and leg and umpire Nitin Menon, raised a finger. Shubman was dismissed for a well-made 70 runs from 60 balls, including 11 fours.
Soon, Rohit lost his momentum and played on in the 23rd over to debutant Dilshan Madushanka. The 35-year-old was dismissed after scoring 83 from 67 deliveries with the help of nine fours and three humungous sixes.
Earlier, at the toss, Rohit said about making the basics right, keeping in mind that the ODI World Cup 2023 is not far either.
“We are happy to bat first. We would have liked to bowl as well, it’s a good challenge. The ground was flooded with dew yesterday. There will be times where we need to bowl under dew, we got to be ready for that with the World Cup around the corner. It’s about doing the basics right, it’s important to do things differently at times. We need to keep moving in the right direction. Had a great time playing an ODI here last time, hopefully, we’ll have another memorable game today,” said Rohit.
