India’s thrilling run-chase in the first ODI against Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday ended in a dramatic tie, with the visitors needing just one run to win with two wickets in hand.
Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka (3 for 30) emerged as the unlikely hero, striking twice off successive deliveries to end the game in a bizarre fashion. Shivam Dube and Arshdeep Singh, who had the responsibility of finding the winning run, both fell victim to Asalanka’s bowling.
Sri Lanka had earlier posted a competitive 230 for 8 after opting to bat first, led by half-centuries from opener Pathum Nissanka (56) and Dunith Wellalage (67). India’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Axar Patel’s 2 for 33, kept the hosts in check.
India’s run-chase got off to a solid start, with skipper Rohit Sharma (58) and Shubman Gill (18) putting on a 75-run opening partnership. However, Wellalage’s left-arm spin proved to be a game-changer, as he removed both openers in quick succession.
Wanindu Hasaranga then kept India on the backfoot with his spell of 3 for 58, which included the crucial wickets of Virat Kohli (24) and KL Rahul (31). Axar (33) and Dube (25) kept India in the chase, but it wasn’t enough.
With just one run needed for victory, the last-wicket pair of Arshdeep and Mohammed Siraj had the task of finding the winning run. However, Arshdeep’s attempt to hit a boundary proved costly, as he was adjudged lbw.
Arshdeep’s dismissal sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with some fans criticizing his decision-making while others came to his defense.
