Dunith Wellalage scored a valiant unbeaten 67 as both teams pulled out a tie in the first of the three one dayers at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Friday.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Sri Lanka lost Avishka Fernando early to Mohammed Siraj for 1. Pathum Nissanka along with Kusal Mendis added 39 runs for the second wicket stand before the latter was trapped leg before wicket by Shivam Dube for 14.
The hosts lost wickets at regular intervals , but some useful contributions from Dunith Wellalage (67)*, Wanindu Hasaranga (24), Janith Liyanage (20) and Akila Dananjaya (17) took their side to 230/8 in their 50 overs.
In response, Skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill got India off to a quickfire start. The duo added 75 runs for the opening stand before Dunith Wellalage broke the stand by dismissing the latter for 16.
The likes of Virat Kohli (24) & Shreyas Iyer (23) got starts but failed to convert it as the visitors lost half their side for 132.
The pair of KL Rahul and Axar Patel brought India back into the contest with a valuable 57 run stand for the sixth wicket before the former perished to Wanindu Hasaranga for 39.
Charith Asalanka then claimed the prize scalp off Axar Patel caught behind for 33. Shivam Dube scored a crucial 25, helping The Men in Blue level the score.After Dube’s dismissal, Arshdeep Singh was out on the very first ball he faced as the hosts pulled off a thrilling tie.