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In the 1st ODI between Sri Lanka and India at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Shreyas Iyer encountered an exceptional delivery from Asitha Fernando that became a turning point in the match. This dismissal, taking place at a pivotal stage of India’s chase of Sri Lanka’s target of 231, significantly heightened the pressure on the Indian batting lineup.
Shreyas Iyer’s dismissal by Asitha Fernando in the 1st ODI at Colombo
In the 24th over of the Indian innings, Fernando, renowned for his ability to generate bounce and seam movement, bowled a superb delivery that nipped back sharply off the seam. Positioned deep inside his crease, Iyer attempted to play across the line but was completely beaten by the sudden movement. The ball crashed into his stumps, leaving Iyer out at a critical juncture. This dismissal not only disrupted a promising partnership but also added immense pressure on the remaining Indian batters, making the task of chasing the target even more challenging.
Here’s the video:
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India’s struggle after a great start
India’s innings started on a high note with captain Rohit Sharma playing an aggressive knock. He scored a brisk 58 off 47 balls, including seven boundaries and three sixes, setting a solid foundation for the chase. Shubman Gill, opening alongside Sharma, contributed 16 runs off 35 balls before falling to Dunith Wellalage. The early dismissals of Sharma and Gill slowed down the momentum, but Virat Kohli and Iyer tried to stabilize the innings. But Kohli’s innings was cut short at 24, leaving India at 130/4.
Shreyas Iyer’s dismissal at 132/5 further dented India’s chase, and they found themselves struggling to keep up with the required run rate. The middle order, including KL Rahul and Axar Patel, faced the challenge of rebuilding the innings under increasing pressure. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly Dunith Wellalage and Wanindu Hasaranga, maintained tight lines and lengths, making scoring difficult.
Sri Lanka’s fight back after early collapse
Earlier, Sri Lanka’s innings saw a steady but cautious approach, culminating in a total of 230/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Pathum Nissanka played a pivotal role at the top of the order, scoring a patient 56 off 75 balls, laced with nine boundaries. Despite losing his opening partner Avishka Fernando early, Nissanka anchored the innings. Contributions from Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka kept the scoreboard ticking, but regular wickets prevented Sri Lanka from gaining momentum.
The middle-order saw Janith Liyanage and Wellalage making valuable contributions. Wellalage’s unbeaten 67 off 65 balls, with seven fours and two sixes, was instrumental in pushing Sri Lanka to a competitive total. India’s bowlers, particularly Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, kept the scoring rate in check with economical spells. Patel’s 2/33 and Yadav’s 1/33 were highlights of the bowling performance, supported by wickets from Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar.
