(Source X)
In the dramatic showdown between India and Sri Lanka at Colombo, the faces of Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir spoke volumes as the first ODI reached its thrilling conclusion. With just one run needed for victory, the tension was palpable. Kohli’s expression mirrored a mix of anticipation and resolve, while Gambhir’s visage oscillated between hope and anxiety.
The match had already seen its fair share of twists. India, chasing 231, found themselves on the cusp of victory at 230 runs, with only Arshdeep Singh left to score that elusive final run. Amidst the nervous energy, Arshdeep had faced 13 balls, each one crucial yet unyielding in producing the desired outcome. Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj, stoic yet determined, provided the anchor, intelligently maneuvering the strike and building a partnership after the dismissal of Shivam Dube.
The tie was a rare occurrence, marking the 10th time India had been involved in such an ODI result, and only the 44th in the history of the format. As the game concluded in a deadlock, Kohli and Gambhir’s expressions encapsulated the emotions of a match that showcased the ultimate drama of cricket’s uncertainty.
Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli caught shying away.
In the pivotal 48th over, Charith Asalanka of Sri Lanka delivered a sequence that swung emotions wildly between the two camps. First, he trapped Shivam Dube leg-before-wicket with a decisive delivery in the fourth ball, leaving India on the brink of victory with just one run needed. Then, facing the final ball, Arshdeep Singh swung aggressively but missed, only to be struck plumb in front by Asalanka’s straight ball.
In the Indian dressing room, the scene unfolded in stark contrast. Moments earlier, after Dube had thrillingly dispatched Asalanka to the boundary, the room erupted with euphoria. Virat Kohli, visibly animated, almost rose from his seat in spirited applause for Dube’s efforts. His jubilation was mirrored by Gautam Gambhir, who grinned in delight, sharing the moment of joy. However, as Arshdeep fell to the final ball, the mood swiftly shifted. Ecstasy turned to agony, as the team realized victory had slipped agonizingly away, captured vividly in the changing expressions on Kohli and Gambhir’s faces.
The final dismissal of Arshdeep Singh brought a sudden end to the jubilation in the Indian camp, marking a missed opportunity to seize the series lead. Conversely, for Sri Lanka, the tie felt like a triumph, especially as they had briefly thought the game was already in their grasp when the scores were level.
India’s journey to the tie was marked by resilient partnerships. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill set a strong foundation with a 76-run opening stand, only for the team to falter to 132 for 5 after quick dismissals of key batsmen like Kohli and Iyer. Kohli and Iyer’s 43-run partnership was followed by KL Rahul and Axar Patel adding another crucial 57 runs. Shivam Dube’s explosive hitting, including two sixes and a boundary, brought the scores level with 15 balls to spare, before his dismissal altered the course of the game.
Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka, opting to bat first after winning the toss, saw Pathum Nissanka and Dunith Wellalage making significant contributions. Nissanka scored 56, while Wellalage top-scored with 67, supported by vital runs from the lower order, which bolstered their total effectively despite a subdued middle-order performance.
The game’s twists and turns reflected cricket’s unpredictable nature, leaving both teams with mixed feelings as they headed towards the next encounter in the series.
“The scores are gettable, it’s just that you have to bat well to get that score. We batted well in patches. There was no consistent momentum through the game for us. We started really well with the bat but we knew the game will start after 10 overs once the spinners come in to bowl.”
“We had the upper hand to start with, then we lost a couple of wickets and fell behind the game. With the partnership that KL and Axar had, we again came back into the game pretty well. In the end, little disappointing, 14 balls, 1 run to get. These things happen. Sri Lanka played well,” said Rohit Sharma after the match ended in a tie.
The second ODI is scheduled for Sunday, with the final match of the series set to take place on Wednesday.
