Bharath Ramaraj in Colombo
In what turned out to be a hard-fought and tense ODI, India pipped Sri Lanka by 41 runs to progress to the summit clash of Asia Cup 2023. Kuldeep Yadav bagged a four-for, while Dunith Wellalage’s stunning all-round show (42 not out and 5-40) went in vain. India had to play less than 15 hours after the completion of their rain-affected game against Pakistan, but the players showed commendable energy and resolve to defend a modest total of 213.
On a tricky wicket, the target of 214 was always going to test the Sri Lankan batters. When Sri Lanka came out to bat, the pitch also started to offer a little more seam movement. The Indian pace bowlers also got enough swing with the new ball. Perhaps a bit of moisture had seeped under the covers after a spell of rain.
Bumrah made the initial incision by forcing Pathum Nissanka to edge one behind. Kusal Mendis then drove a floaty slower one to cover. To make matters worse, Dimuth Karunaratne fell to Mohammed Siraj as the hosts slid further to 25 for 3. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka, two batters who have been in good form, then shared an association of 43 for the fourth wicket. The duo employed the drive to collect a few boundaries.
Unfortunately for Sri Lanka, Samarawickrama lost his concentration as he tried to take on Kuldeep by dancing down the deck, only to be stumped. Kuldeep continued to impart enough revs on the ball and was rewarded with the scalp of Asalanka. Dasun Shanaka, the skipper, didn’t last long either, brilliantly caught by Rohit Sharma at slip off Ravindra Jadeja.
At 99 for 6, India seemed to have all the aces. However, Wellalage and Dhananjaya de Silva stitched an alliance of 63 to raise hopes of Sri Lanka crossing the finish line. Wellalage had his share of luck, but in between he also essayed some fine lofts. Dhananjaya, Wellalage’s batting partner, however, lost the plot as he holed out to Shubman Gill off Jadeja. Kuldeep then took over by running through lower order. Wellalage was left stranded at one end.
Earlier, Wellalage had helped Sri Lanka make a fine comeback after Rohit and Gill put on a partnership of 80 in just over 11 overs. On a turning track, Wellalage castled Gill with a peach – the ball drifted in and then turned away to rattle the timber. Kohli, the centurion from the last game, could only muster three runs as he spooned a catch to midwicket. Subsequently, Wellalage castled Rohit with a ball that kept low.
KL Rahul, batting at No. 5, was India’s best player of spin. He picked the length nicely and used the depth of the crease to compile a quick-fire 39. On the other hand, Ishan Kishan struggled for timing but navigated tricky phases to end up with a 61-ball 33. Axar Patel, lower down the order, scored 26. Although Axar was below-par with the ball, those 26 runs turned out to be crucial in the end.
Meanwhile, Wellalage took his maiden five-wicket haul in international cricket. Asalanka too finished with noteworthy figures of 4 for 18.