In the first ODI match of the Sri Lanka tour of India 2023, India defeated Sri Lanka by 67 runs at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first. It was a tricky decision as predictions were made for dew in the second innings but Rohit backed his batters. It started off well for both the openers as hitman Sharma (83) and Shubman Gill (70), both scored heavy runs. The duo stitched up 143 runs for the first wicket partnership. While Rohit was smashing balls all over the park, the Punjab-based batter only hit 11 fours through his inning. Furthermore, Virat Kohli (113) also hammered a humongous hundred in just 87 deliveries. With 12 fours and a six, King Kohli recorded his 45th ODI century. Post Kohli’s wicket, there were also a few contributions from the lower middle order like Shreyas Iyer (28), KL Rahul (39) and Hardik Pandya (14). Towards the end of the first inning, India managed to score 373/7 in 50 overs.
In the chase, opener Pathum Nissanka (72) got Sri Lanka a solid start with a luxurious fifty. The batter played throughout 30 overs and smashed 11 fours. Dhananjaya de Silva (47) as well tried his hardest to accompany Nissanka but fell short. It was then captain Dasun Shanaka (108) who led the chase and hit a century. With 12 fours and three sixes, the batter was hungry to take the game down the line and claim the win. In the end, SL fell short of the target by 67 runs but showcased a hard fight.
With the ball, Indians were asking some difficult questions as pacers were straight on point. Youngster Umran Malik was at his best yet again as he managed to grab three wickets. Mohammad Siraj as well plucked two wickets while just giving away 30 runs. One wicket each was also picked by Mohammad Shami, Hardik Pandya and Yuzvendra Chahal.
In the first innings, when the top three Indian batters were on the crease, it was looking like the home team would surpass the 400 mark easily but SL bowlers were skilful enough to make a decent comeback in the innings. Throughout 50 overs, the Asia Cup 2022 winners only gave away six extras. Kasun Rajitha claimed three wickets while one each wicket was picked by Dilshan Madushanka, Chamika Karunaratne, Dasun Shanaka and Dhananjaya de Silva.
Virat Kohli was awarded the Man of the Match for his outstanding knock. With this win. India have bagged the lead in the three-match ODI series.
Scorecard:
India: 373/7, Overs 50, Virat Kohli 113, Kasun Rajitha 3/88
Sri Lanka: 306/8, Overs 50, Dasun Shanaka 108, Umran Malik 3/57