In the first ODI on Friday, chasing a target of 231, India appeared to be cruising at 130 for three before a collapse against Sri Lanka’s spinners saw them bowled out for 230, resulting in a tie. The Lankan bowlers, particularly their spinners, exploited the conditions expertly, causing significant trouble for the Indian batters.
Rohit Sharma provided a strong start, but once he was dismissed, Sri Lanka’s bowlers executed their plans with precision against India’s top and middle-order batsmen, including Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer. The Indian trio struggled to accelerate against the disciplined Lankan spinners.
Kohli faced 29 of his 32 balls from spinners Dunith Wellalage and Wanindu Hasaranga, eventually falling to Hasaranga. Shreyas Iyer looked more comfortable against the spinners, prompting Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka to bring in pacer Asitha Fernando. Fernando delivered a crucial blow by dismissing Iyer with an exceptional delivery, the only Indian wicket to fall to a pacer. KL Rahul, known for his proficiency against spin, was also caught by Hasaranga.
India’s strategy for the second ODI will likely include measures to tackle the slow pitch and negate the effectiveness of Sri Lanka’s spinners. The Indian team will aim to rotate the strike better and employ more aggressive intent against the spinners to avoid getting bogged down. Additionally, the team may consider altering the batting order or incorporating more players adept at handling spin to strengthen their middle order.
Teams (from):
India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.
Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando.