• India and Sri Lanka played out a thrilling tie in the first ODI of their three-match series on Friday.

  • Dunith Wellalage was named Player of the Match for his exceptional all-round performance.

Fans react as the 1st ODI between Sri Lanka and India ends in a dramatic tie in Colombo
India vs Sri Lanka (Image Source: X)

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India and Sri Lanka played out a thrilling tie in the 1st ODI of their three-match series on Friday (August 2), at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. After opting to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a total of 230/8 in their allotted 50 overs, with Dunith Wellalage top-scoring with an unbeaten 67 off 65 balls. In response, India were all out for 230 in 47.5 overs, resulting in a dramatic finish.

India’s batting performance and thrilling tie

India began their chase with a strong start as captain Rohit Sharma played a blistering innings of 58 from 47 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. However, Shubman Gill struggled and was dismissed for 16 off 35 balls by Wellalage, with Kusal Mendis taking a catch off a top edge. Rohit was also dismissed by Wellalage, who trapped him in front of the stumps. Washington Sundar, promoted to number four, could not make an impact and was dismissed for 5 off 4 balls by Akila Dananjaya, leaving India at 87/3 after 15.4 overs.

A 43-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer briefly steadied the innings, but the game took a turn when both Kohli (24 off 32) and Iyer (23 off 23) were dismissed, leaving India at 132/5 after 24.2 overs. With the match finely poised, KL Rahul and Axar Patel added a crucial 57-run stand for the sixth wicket off 94 balls. Nevertheless, another twist took place as both Rahul (31 off 43) and Patel (33 off 57) were dismissed in quick succession, leaving India in a precarious position. Shivam Dube played a crucial innings of 25 runs, helping India level the score with the hosts. Nonetheless, after Dube’s dismissal, Arshdeep Singh was out on the very first ball he faced, resulting in the match ending in a tie.

Also WATCH: Asitha Fernando delivers an absolute peach to send Shreyas Iyer packing | SL vs IND, 1st ODI

Sri Lanka’s batting led by Dinuth Wellalage

Earlier, Sri Lanka’s innings began poorly with Mohammed Siraj (1/36 in 8 overs) dismissing Avishka Fernando early. Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka attempted to rebuild, but their partnership was short-lived as Dube (1/19 in 4 overs) dismissed Mendis lbw in the 14th over. This wicket led to a collapse, with Sri Lanka’s middle order struggling against India’s spin trio.

Patel (2/33), Kuldeep Yadav (1/33) and Washington Sundar (1/46 in 9 overs) dismissed Sadeera Samarawickrama (8 off 18), Charith Asalanka (14 off 21) and Pathum Nissanka (56 off 75), respectively. Sri Lanka were in dire straits at 101/5. Wellalage anchored the innings, forming vital partnerships with Janith Liyanage (20 off 26), Wanindu Hasaranga (24 off 35) and Akila Dananjaya (17 off 21). Wellalage’s unbeaten 67, including seven fours and two sixes, was instrumental in lifting Sri Lanka to a competitive total of 230/8. His remarkable innings marked his first ODI half-century and provided the backbone for Sri Lanka’s total.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also WATCH: SL vs IND : KL Rahul hilariously asks about the IPL rule query to Rohit Sharma during first ODI

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