At the opening game of the three-game series at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Charith Asalanka won the toss and chose to bat first.
Asitha Fernando was dismissed for just one run by Mohammed Siraj, who also grabbed the game’s opening wicket. Shivam Dube, playing in his first ODI since December 2019, took his first-ever ODI wicket, ending a promising 43-run partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis.
After reaching his 14th ODI half-century with composure, Nissanka was bowled for 56 shortly after, with skipper Asalanka being removed for the same score as Mendis.
Wanindu Hasaranga and Janith Liyanage, both removed in their twenties, may have felt that their innings were coming to an early conclusion. Still, Sri Lanka amassed 230/8 thanks to a passionate 46 runs off 39 balls for the eighth wicket shared by Dunith Wellalage and Akila Dananjaya.
Considering that by the 27th over, they had lost half their side for just 101 runs, this was an impressive comeback. Within their allotted overs, spinners Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, who both produced economical stints, gave up 33 runs apiece. While Kuldeep only claimed one wicket, Axar claimed two.
With Rohit Sharma leading the charge alongside Shubman Gill, the run-chase got off to a fast start. In the powerplay, India scored 71 runs in spite of a maiden over. Nevertheless, India went into a tailspin from overs 11 to 16, scoring just 16 runs and losing three vital wickets. This included, after a breezy half-century, the skipper, who became Wellalage’s second fatality.
Shivam Dube had to win the victory because KL Rahul and Axar Patel failed to build on their starts, despite their crucial thirty-year contributions. To reach 25, Dube struck a number of boundaries, including two sixes and a few fours, in an impressive display.
But Asalanka trapped him leg before wicket, bringing his fortunate knock to an early end. This dismissal sent Arshdeep Singh to the crease, and after 13 deliveries, he too gave in to the pressure, capping an incredible comeback for Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka will surely consider this a major victory, considering India’s standing after the initial powerplay.
Also Read: SL v. IND: The umpire rules Janith Liyanage not out, but replay confirms the same
In its existence as ODIs, India has played ten tie matches. This was the second one between the two teams; the first one was in 2012.
Here’s how X reacted to the edge-of-the-seat encounter:
it should be considered a win for 🇱🇰… the last 2 wickets were mind blowing 🤯👏👏#SLvsIND pic.twitter.com/yuCPWD8QvS
— resistance 🥷 (@SA_6349) August 2, 2024
THIS MATCH IS GREAT FOR ODI CRICKET…!!!! 👏
– This match is great match for ODI cricket, this match showed ODI cricket is also has entertainment like T20 cricket. Low scoring ODI Match also Neil biting as well.#INDvsSL #SLvsIND #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/lCO9tw61Hz
— Matchpoint Telugu (@dpcmatchpoint) August 2, 2024
Match Tied 😱
Dube 🔥#INDvsSL | #SLvsIND pic.twitter.com/mkgsj4gfFS
— 𝙅𝘼𝘾𝙆 ™ (@itz_Chris_of) August 2, 2024
It’s not a tie for me. This is the victory of Sri Lanka bowlers ✌️
After Rohit’s dismissal, the way he came back in the match is praiseworthy. 👏🏼👏🏼#INDvSL #SLvsIND #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/HDv2A1zBcQ— Free Hit 👊 (@SyedNaf16) August 2, 2024
MATCH TIED. 🤯 #SLvsIND pic.twitter.com/fQXTfmvaFx
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) August 2, 2024
Literally me on my first date #SLvsIND pic.twitter.com/ErKwUPFYAA
— Aditya Mohan (@AdityaMohan17_) August 2, 2024
Jeete hua match do images me draw ho gya #SLvsIND #ShivamDube #ViratKohli #GautamGambhir pic.twitter.com/LxUfMrt6CC
— Bhavika says (@bhavikavs) August 2, 2024
India failed to Score 1 run with 2 Wickets Left!
It’s a tie#SLvsIND pic.twitter.com/LU8rJ2Gkzm
— Sama Umair (@umair6723) August 2, 2024
Bro retired from T20i to play ODI as T20s.#RohitSharma𓃵 #INDvsSL#SLvsIND pic.twitter.com/cyUasPuHgW
— Atul Kumar Pandey (@atulballia) August 2, 2024
Match Winning Knock By Shivam Dube But Arshdeep Singh F**ked Up💔#INDvsSL #INDvSL #SLvsIND #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/m5l322Ov1m
— Ajeet Kumar🇮🇳 (@ajeetkr03) August 2, 2024