In what turned out to be a freaky run out, Rohit Sharma on Sunday failed to leave a mark in India’s dominating nine-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first ODI at Dambulla.
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After the historic 3-0 Test series win against host Sri Lanka, Indian team is all set to take on Lanka in the One-day worldwide series. There was no stopping India from then on as Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal all chipped in with vital wickets to close the hosts’ innings at 216.
Shikhar Dhawan was the most successful batsman of the series with 358 runs in four innings, including two centuries at an average of 89.50. India scored 220 in 28.5 overs by losing one wicket of Rohit Sharma.
Malinga and Dilhara Fernando (0-43) were given the workaround and a superb pull over midwicket for six brought up Dhawan’s fifty. So much so that Ajinkya Rahane, who was the Man of the Series in India’s last ODI assignment against the Windies, may not feature in the playing eleven.
Do not miss the talking points from the first ODI of the five match series. For a change, skipper Virat Kohli played the supporting role with an unbeaten 70-ball 82 hitting 10 fours and one six.
The Sri Lankan government had previously issued an ultimatum to the team to either get fit in three months or lose their place in the side after fitness concerns emerged ahead of the series against Zimbabwe.
Captain Virat Kohli added another feather to his cap on Sunday as he became the second Indian batsman to complete 4000 ODI runs in successful run chases. The Sri Lankan team is batting first. Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan continued his fine form in the one-day internationals as well.
Only time can reveal if Sri Lanka will challenge India in this limited overs contest. The mental preparation helps me keep confidence in myself. Sri Lanka’s downfall so far in the series has consistently been it’s bowling, and is the area they will want to focus on. Sri Lanka has recalled Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga and Milinda Siriwardana. Given that Pandey has been in good touch recently, and Rahane is ever reliable as a solid batsman at 5, India’s team combination will be an interesting one. But since they’re on a vacation, the duo have been spotted at parties and shopping and now enjoying nature in Sri Lanka. Jadhav has gone off the boil in recent times and Pandey, who had a fantastic “A” series would be hoping to get a game.
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India lost their first wicket at the score of 23 after Indian spinners triggered a Sri Lankan collapse. Apart from Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka (35), Kusal Mendia (36) and Angelo Mathews (36 not out) scored valuable runs for the Islanders.
