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The opening ODI of the three-match series between India and Sri Lanka ended in a dramatic tie. Both teams concluded their innings at 230 runs in the series opener held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, August 3.
Sri Lanka batted first and posted 230/8 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to half-centuries from Pathum Nissanka and Dunith Wellalage. Nissanka contributed 56 runs, while Wellalage remained unbeaten with 67. Despite being in a precarious position at 101/5, Wellalage’s resolute innings ensured Sri Lanka reached a competitive total.
In response, India were all out for 230 runs in the 48th over. Rohit Sharma provided a brisk start with a 33-ball fifty, but his efforts were ultimately in vain as the rest of the Indian batting lineup struggled.
With only 1 run needed from 15 balls and 2 wickets remaining, victory seemed imminent for India. However, Charith Asalanka dismissed both Shivam Dube and Arshdeep Singh in successive deliveries, leaving the match tied at 230 runs.
Did the umpires make a blunder in the India vs Sri Lanka ODI?
Before the first ODI, the third T20I between India and Sri Lanka also ended in a tie, with the winner being determined by a Super Over. However, the ODI match concluded without a definitive winner. It appears that the outcome could have been resolved more clearly if the umpires had adhered to ICC regulations.
According to the ICC’s ODI Playing Conditions, a Super Over should have been used to break the tie. The ICC Men’s ODI Playing Conditions, effective since December 2023, stipulate that in the event of a tie or a no result:
“A Super Over shall be played. If the Super Over is a tie, then unless exceptional circumstances arise subsequent Super Overs shall be played until there is a winner. Should it not be possible to play or complete the Super Overs needed to determine a winner, the match shall be tied.”
The regulations are explicit: a tied ODI should be resolved with a Super Over unless conditions make it impossible. Given that the weather in Colombo was clear and conducive for such a resolution, the decision to conclude the match after India’s innings was questionable.
Historically, several ODIs have been decided by Super Overs. Notably, the 2019 ODI World Cup final featured a Super Over. Similarly, in 2020, a game between Pakistan and Zimbabwe was also settled by a Super Over. More recently, the Cricket World Cup Qualifier in 2023 between West Indies and Netherlands was determined by a Super Over as well.
