Introduction to the ODI Series
The One Day International (ODI) series between Sri Lanka and India is part of a long-standing cricket rivalry between the two neighboring countries. This particular series was highly anticipated due to the presence of several young and emerging players on both sides, making it an exciting prospect for fans. For India, the series was an opportunity to test their bench strength, while Sri Lanka was looking to rebuild and gain momentum under their new leadership.
Pre-Match Build-Up of ODI Series
As the first ODI approached, both teams were keen to make a strong start. India, resting several key players, fielded a mix of experienced campaigners and young talent, aiming to provide exposure to the latter. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, was under pressure to perform at home, with expectations from their fans to deliver a competitive series.
The venue for the match, typically known for offering assistance to spinners, suggested that both teams would place significant emphasis on their spin attacks. The weather was expected to be hot and humid, conditions familiar to both teams.
Key players like Shikhar Dhawan for India and Kusal Perera for Sri Lanka were in focus, expected to play pivotal roles in their teams’ performances.
Match Overview
Toss and Decision : Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision influenced by the expected slowing down of the pitch in the second innings.
Sri Lanka’s Innings : The Sri Lankan innings started cautiously, but early wickets pegged them back. A middle-order recovery, led by their captain, provided some stability, but regular wickets prevented them from setting a formidable total.
India’s Innings : India began their chase confidently, with a solid opening partnership setting the tone. Despite losing a few wickets in the middle, a calm and calculated approach ensured they reached the target with overs to spare.
Innings Breakdown
Sri Lanka’s Innings
Opening Stand : The Sri Lankan openers walked out with a clear intent to build a solid foundation. However, disciplined bowling from the Indian seamers kept the scoring rate in check. The pressure eventually led to the first breakthrough in the 8th over, when Bhuvneshwar Kumar trapped the opener plumb in front.
Middle Order Performance : After the early setback, Sri Lanka’s middle order, anchored by Kusal Perera, sought to stabilize the innings. Perera played some elegant strokes, rotating the strike effectively. However, the introduction of spin saw wickets tumble, with Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav causing havoc. Perera’s resistance was finally broken in the 28th over, leaving Sri Lanka in a precarious position.
Lower Order Finish : The lower order tried to provide a late flourish, with some aggressive stroke play from the tail-enders. However, they were unable to capitalize fully, as wickets continued to fall. Sri Lanka eventually posted a below-par total, which seemed challenging but achievable for the Indian batting line-up.
India’s Innings
Opening Stand : India’s openers, Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw, started positively. Shaw, in particular, was aggressive from the outset, taking on the Sri Lankan bowlers with a flurry of boundaries. The pair added 80 runs in the first 10 overs, providing India with a strong platform.
Middle Order Performance : After the fall of Shaw, who was dismissed trying to accelerate, the Indian middle order consolidated the innings. Suryakumar Yadav and Manish Pandey batted well and ensured that India was always on the driving seat when it came to chasing down the total. Although there were a few hiccups with the loss of Pandey and Hardik Pandya, the depth in the Indian batting ensured they were never in real trouble.
Finish by Lower Order : Captain Shikhar Dhawan played a captain’s knock, anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 87. He was well-supported by the lower order, as India comfortably chased down the target in the 42nd over.
Individual Performances in ODI
Star Performers:
Shikhar Dhawan: His unbeaten 87 was the backbone of India’s chase, showcasing his experience and ability to pace an innings.
Prithvi Shaw: His explosive start with a quickfire 43 set the tone for the chase, putting the Sri Lankan bowlers under immense pressure.
Kusal Perera: Despite being on the losing side, his innings was the glue that held the Sri Lankan innings together.
Game-Changing Moments in ODI:
The quick strikes by the Indian spinners during the middle overs, which prevented Sri Lanka from building any significant partnerships.
Prithvi Shaw’s aggressive approach early in the innings, which demoralized the Sri Lankan bowlers.
Scorecard of ODI
Sri Lanka Innings:
- Kusal Perera: 53 (68 balls)
- Avishka Fernando: 23 (35 balls)
- Charith Asalanka: 38 (52 balls)
- Wanindu Hasaranga: 16 (20 balls)
- Dasun Shanaka: 24 (29 balls)
- Extras: 10 (4 wides, 2 no-balls, 4 leg-byes)
- Total: 262 all out in 49.3 overs
Fall of Wickets:
- 43/1 (Avishka Fernando, 8.3 ov)
- 76/2 (Kusal Perera, 15.4 ov)
- 109/3 (Pathum Nissanka, 21.2 ov)
- 149/4 (Charith Asalanka, 28.4 ov)
- 171/5 (Wanindu Hasaranga, 33.1 ov)
- 198/6 (Dasun Shanaka, 39.5 ov)
- 216/7 (Chamika Karunaratne, 43.4 ov)
- 241/8 (Dushmantha Chameera, 46.3 ov)
- 254/9 (Lakshan Sandakan, 48.4 ov)
- 262/10 (Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 49.3 ov)
Bowling:
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 9.3 overs, 45 runs, 3 wickets
- Deepak Chahar: 10 overs, 52 runs, 2 wickets
- Yuzvendra Chahal: 10 overs, 42 runs, 3 wickets
- Kuldeep Yadav: 10 overs, 50 runs, 2 wickets
India Innings:
- Shikhar Dhawan: 87* (92 balls)
- Prithvi Shaw: 43 (24 balls)
- Suryakumar Yadav: 31 (29 balls)
- Manish Pandey: 26 (38 balls)
- Hardik Pandya: 14 (21 balls)
- Extras: 8 (3 wides, 2 no-balls, 3 leg-byes)
- Total: 263/5 in 41.5 overs
Fall of Wickets:
- 80/1 (Prithvi Shaw, 9.5 ov)
- 117/2 (Suryakumar Yadav, 18.3 ov)
- 152/3 (Manish Pandey, 26.4 ov)
- 181/4 (Hardik Pandya, 34.2 ov)
- 217/5 (Krunal Pandya, 38.5 ov)
Bowling:
- Dushmantha Chameera: 9 overs, 62 runs, 2 wickets
- Wanindu Hasaranga: 10 overs, 54 runs, 1 wicket
- Lakshan Sandakan: 8.5 overs, 50 runs, 1 wicket
- Chamika Karunaratne: 8 overs, 39 runs, 1 wicket
Post-Match Analysis ODI
The match highlighted the growing gulf between the two teams, with India’s bench strength proving too strong for a rebuilding Sri Lankan side. India strength were the form their top order batsmen and the spinners they had. However, the middle-order wobble in the chase and the lack of penetration in the powerplay overs were areas that required attention.
Sri Lanka showed promise, particularly in their middle-order batting, but they were let down by their inability to build partnerships and their lack of a cutting edge with the ball. The series promised to be a learning curve for them, with plenty of positives to build on.
Conclusion of ODI
The first ODI between Sri Lanka and India set the tone for what was expected to be a competitive series. India’s comfortable victory showcased their depth and quality, while Sri Lanka, despite their struggles, showed glimpses of potential. As both teams looked ahead to the next match, the onus was on Sri Lanka to regroup and challenge India more effectively, while India aimed to continue their dominance and seal the series early.
