Galle-Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka starred with a twin strike to help his team force a thrilling tie against India in a nail-biting encounter. Asalanka’s double blow came at a crucial juncture, helping Sri Lanka restrict India’s total and eventually tie the match.
The Indian team, looking to dominate, was stunned by Asalanka’s brilliant performance. His twin strike not only dented India’s progress but also lifted Sri Lanka’s spirits.
The match saw both teams fighting hard, with neither able to gain a clear advantage. In the end, Asalanka’s heroics ensured that Sri Lanka emerged with a tie, a testament to their team’s resilience and determination.
Asalanka’s performance will be remembered as one of the highlights of the match, showcasing his skills and temperament under pressure.
India kept losing wickets at regular intervals and it all came down to Shivam Dube, who scored a fighting 25 off 24 balls before his dismissal to Asalanka in the 48th over.
Skipper Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga bagged three wickets each for Sri Lanka, followed by Dunith Wellalage with two.
Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka registered 230/8 in the allotted 50 overs, courtesy of important half-centuries by Pathum Nissanka and Wellalage.
Nissanka ticked the scoreboard single-handedly with a gutsy half-century before finally perishing in the 27th over.
With his departure, Sri Lanka had lost half of their side with just 101 runs on the board.
Wellalage then took charge of Sri Lanka’s batting expedition and scored a defiant half-century to take his side to a commendable total.
India grab 43-run win over Sri Lanka
He remained the top-scorer for Sri Lanka with a 65-ball 67 that featured seven fours and two sixes.
Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh bagged two wickets each for India while Mohammed Siraj, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar made one scalp each.
The second ODI of the three-match series between India and Sri Lanka will take place on Sunday at the same venue.
