India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI©AFP
India captain Rohit Sharma believes the target of 231 runs set by Sri Lanka in the first ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium was “achievable”. After restricting Sri Lanka at 230/8, it turned out to be a topsy-turvy chase for the Indian team. Despite Rohit’s explosive start (58 off 47 balls, with seven fours and three sixes), the chase became a tantalizing affair for the Indian team. However, the Indian team ended up losing wickets in the end, which ended the game in a draw in the absence of the Super Over.
“The score was achievable. You have to bat well to get there. We batted well in some stretches. No consistent drive. We had the advantage. We lost a few wickets,” Rohit said in the post-match presentation.
After Shreyas Iyer’s dismissal, Sri Lanka were in pole position to end the game. India looked down after being reduced to 132-5 in 24.2 overs.
But the duo of Axar Patel (33) and KL Rahul (31) brought India back into the game by putting up a 57-run stand. After the partnership ended, Shivam Dube almost took India to the finish line.
Before he could finish the game, Dube was sent back to the dressing room by captain Charith Asalanka. With one run needed in more than two overs, the Sri Lankan captain played the killer blow, which ended the game in a draw.
At the end of the game, Rohit felt the result was fair and said, “With the KL-Axar partnership, we came back. A little disappointing at the end. Such things happened. Sri Lanka played well. In the end, it was a fair result. The field remained the same. It’s not where you can come in and play. You have to put in the effort.
India and Sri Lanka will return to action in the second ODI on Sunday at the same venue.
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