Dunith Wellalage and Charith Asalanka’s spin wreaked havoc on India’s batting lineup. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were dismissed for a mere 213 runs in 49.1 overs, struggling against the deliveries of these two spinners.
In their previous match against arch-rivals Pakistan, where they piled up a mountain of 356 runs, India failed to even reach the 250-run mark on Tuesday.
If India manages to defeat Sri Lanka on Tuesday or Bangladesh in the upcoming match on Friday, they will secure a spot in the final. India’s opening pair, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, got off to a promising start after winning the toss in this seemingly straightforward match.
However, the young spinner, Dunith Wellalage, caused India to lose 3 wickets for a mere 11 runs. Shubman Gill contributed 19 runs with two boundaries off 25 balls, while Virat Kohli, who scored an impressive 122 runs in the previous match against Pakistan, managed only 3 runs from 12 balls. Rohit Sharma scored 53 runs in 49 balls with 7 fours and two sixes.
Lokesh Rahul and Ishan Kishan took charge for the team during the fourth wicket partnership, adding 63 runs off 89 balls. Unfortunately, another batting collapse followed.
India reached a score of 154 runs for 3 wickets but then lost 6 wickets for just 32 runs. Akshar Patel managed to push the team’s score past 200 with a 41-ball 27-run partnership with pace bowler Mohammad Siraj for the last wicket.
Patel, who scored 25 runs off 36 balls, was eventually dismissed at the boundary. India’s innings concluded at 213 runs in 49.1 overs after his departure.
Dunith Wellalage was the star for Sri Lanka, taking 5 wickets for 40 runs in his 10 overs. This performance marked his best bowling figures in ODIs. Additionally, Charith Asalanka contributed with 4 wickets for 18 runs in 9 overs.
