[Watch] Charith Asalanka traps Shivam Dube and Arshdeep Singh lbw off consecutive deliveries to tie IND vs SL 1st ODI

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka led from the front against Team India in the first ODI at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, August 2. The off-spinner dismissed Shivam Dube and Arshdeep Singh off back-to-back deliveries to help his team settle for a tie against the Men in Blue. Interestingly, both wickets came in the form of lbw dismissals.

The dismissals came in the 48th over of India’s run chase. The scores were level when Asalanka trapped both Dube and Arshdeep in front of the stumps. The hosts reviewed Dube’s on-field not-out decision and the replays showed three reds following which the decision was overturned. Meanwhile, Arshdeep’s review ended in vain as the trajectory showed that the ball would’ve crashed onto the leg stump.

Sharing the video on X, Sony LIV wrote:

“What a dramatic turn of events! Back-to-back wickets for skipper Asalanka turned the game on its head, with the match tied!”

Watch the clip below:

Notably, the third and last T20I between the two teams had also ended in a tie but the visitors won in Super Over. Unlike T20Is, there is no Super Over in bilateral ODIs.

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“We should have done a bit more” – Charith Asalanka believes Sri Lanka could’ve won the 1st ODI against Team India

Charith Asalanka said a little more effort from the bowling unit could've helped Sri Lanka finally register a win against Team India in the first ODI. The 27-year-old said in his post-match comments (via Cricbuzz):

“I did (defend the total), but we should have done a bit more well to restrict them under 230. In the afternoon, it turned more. Under lights, it became easier to bat.

"(Bowling himself) The left-hander came in to bat and I thought I could bowl as it spun a lot. I am happy about the energy in the field and the way the boys played in the second half. Dunith's knock and Nissanka batted extremely well,” Asalanka added.

Opting to bat, Sri Lanka posted 230/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Dunith Wellage put a fighting knock, scoring 67 off 65, while Pathum Nissanka scored 56 off 75. Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel bagged two wickets apiece for the visitors.

In response, Team India were bundled out for 230 in 47.5 overs. India captain Rohit Sharma starred with the bat, scoring 58 off 47, while KL Rahul and Axar Patel chipped in the 30s. Shivam Dube and Virat Kohli also contributed in the 20s. Dube, in particular, scored 25 off 24 to help India level the score.

Skipper Aslanka and Wanindu Hasaranga emerged as the leading wicket-takers for the islanders, finishing with three wickets apiece. Meanwhile, Dunith Wellalage also bagged two wickets.

The two teams will next lock horns in the second ODI at the same venue on Sunday, August 4.

Click here for the IND vs SL 1st ODI full scorecard.