Cricket

'Hero of the match- Virat Kohli and Dasun Shanka': Fans praise team India and Shanaka following India's 69-run win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI

Fans praise team India and Shanaka following India's 69-run win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI on Tuesday.

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Daniel S
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India

India: (Image Source: Twitter)

Much like the T20I series, India started the ODI series against Sri Lanka on a winning note on Tuesday. Skipper, Rohit Sharma made a return to the side and immediately made an impact with the bat. Sharma played a sensational knock of 83 runs in 67 balls, including 9 fours and 3 sixes. He stitched a 143-run partnership with Shubman Gill for the opening wicket to set the foundation right.

Gill also looked flawless with the bat as he amassed 70 off 60 deliveries, including 11 fours. Along with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli also made his return to the Indian team after having rested in the T20I series. Kohli continued his great form with the bat as he notched his 45th ODI century. He played a sensational knock of 113 runs in 87 balls, including 12 fours and 1 six.

Besides, the likes of Shreyas Iyer (28 off 24) and KL Rahul (39 off 29) also made valuable contributions with the bat. A scintillating performance with the bat from the team helped them notch a huge score of 373 runs at the end of the first innings.

For Sri Lanka, Rajitha was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 for 88 runs in 10 overs. In reply, Sri Lanka failed to script the chase as good as they would have liked to. Avishka Fernando (5 off 12) and Kusal Mendis (0 off 4) got out on single digit scores, while Asalanka (23 off 28) failed to convert the start into a big score. Sri Lanka had lost 3 wickets for 64 runs in 14 overs.

Dhanajaya de Silva and Pathum Nissanka then joined hands and led the team's recovery. The duo added 72 runs for the 4th wicket before Shami finally broke partnership with a beautifully delivery. Umran Malik then ended Nissanka's stellar knock of 72 runs in 80 balls to leave Sri Lanka five down for 161 runs.

Hasaranga and Wellalage then departed cheaply and it looked like Sri Lanka would bundle out quickly. However, Dasun Shanaka was smashing the balls to all parts at the other end and took the game till the very last over. He played a brilliant unbeaten knock of 108 runs in just 88 balls. However, despite all the hardwork from him, Sri Lanka fell short of 69 runs.

Here's a look at the reactions on India's first ODI win:

India vs Sri Lanka 2023