Sri Lanka vs India

 Hasaranga, Asalanka Pick Up Three-Fors to Force a Tie; Dube's Power-Hitting Almost Takes India Over**

02-Aug-2024 • 21 hrs ago

By M.k.karikalsozhan   Blog  Reporter  

In a match that had spectators on the edge of their seats, the T20 clash between Sri Lanka and India ended in a dramatic tie, thanks to standout performances by Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka. Their combined efforts in picking up crucial wickets kept the game evenly poised. Meanwhile, India's Shivam Dube showcased his prowess with the bat, particularly against spin, almost taking India to victory. However, despite his valiant effort, Dube could not secure the win. "Hasaranga, Asalanka pick up three-fors to force a tie Dube had helped India draw level with his power-hitting against spin but could not take them over" perfectly encapsulates the thrilling narrative of this encounter.

In a thrilling ODI match, Sri Lanka and India both ended with scores of 230, resulting in a dramatic tie. Sri Lanka, struggling at 101 for 5, managed to stay in the game thanks to a resilient partnership. Dunith Wellalage remained unbeaten on 67, and Pathum Nissanka contributed a crucial 56. India's Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh took two wickets each, helping to restrict the Sri Lankan side.

India, chasing the target, saw a strong start with Rohit Sharma scoring 58. However, Sri Lankan bowlers Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga turned the game around, taking three wickets each. As the match approached its climax, India needed five runs off the last 18 balls with two wickets in hand. Shivam Dube appeared ready to finish the game, especially after hitting a six off Hasaranga.  

Captain Charith Asalanka then took charge, opting to bowl himself instead of bringing on other bowlers. His decision paid off spectacularly. In the 48th over, Asalanka trapped Dube lbw, a decision that was initially not out but overturned on review. With scores tied, Asalanka then dismissed Arshdeep Singh lbw for a duck, sealing the tie and sparking celebrations in the stadium.

**Hasaranga and Asalanka’s Bowling Masterclass**

The phrase "Hasaranga, Asalanka pick up three-fors to force a tie Dube had helped India draw level with his power-hitting against spin but could not take them over" became the highlight of the match. Hasaranga’s deceptive leg-spin and Asalanka’s handy off-spin rattled the Indian batting line-up. Both bowlers exhibited excellent control and variation, claiming three wickets each and maintaining pressure on the Indian batsmen throughout the innings.

Hasaranga’s ability to mix up his deliveries, coupled with his sharp googlies, made it difficult for the Indian batsmen to settle. On the other hand, Asalanka's intelligent use of flight and turn ensured that he was equally effective, leading to a tied game that will be remembered for a long time.

### SL vs IND: 1st ODI Ends in Thrilling Tie

The first ODI between Sri Lanka and India at Colombo’s RPS stadium ended in a dramatic tie, with both teams scoring 230. The match saw excellent performances from both sides, particularly from Sri Lanka's Charith Asalanka and India's Rohit Sharma, who played key roles in their respective innings.

#### Scorecard Highlights

Sri Lanka managed 230 for 8, thanks to crucial contributions from Wellalage (67*) and Nissanka (56). India's bowling attack, led by Axar Patel (2-33) and Arshdeep Singh (2-47), kept them in check. In response, India also scored 230, with Rohit Sharma leading the way with 58 runs. Asalanka and Hasaranga each took three wickets to keep Sri Lanka in contention.

#### MVP: Charith Asalanka

Charith Asalanka’s all-round performance was pivotal for Sri Lanka. Not only did he score vital runs, but he also took crucial wickets at the end, including the final two that sealed the tie.

#### Match Report

At 101 for 5, Sri Lanka seemed on the brink of another collapse against India. However, under Asalanka's captaincy, they managed to stay in the game. His decision to bowl himself in the crucial final over proved decisive. With India needing five runs off 18 balls, Asalanka dismissed Shivam Dube and Arshdeep Singh off consecutive deliveries, ensuring the match ended in a tie.

India, chasing 231, got off to a solid start with Rohit Sharma’s aggressive 58 off 47 balls. However, the middle order faltered against Sri Lanka’s spinners. Washington Sundar, promoted to number 4, couldn't deliver as expected, while Virat Kohli’s 24 off 32 balls ended with a skidder from Hasaranga.

#### Key Moments

- **Wellalage’s Stand:** Wellalage’s unbeaten 67 was crucial in pushing Sri Lanka’s total to a competitive 230.

- **Rohit’s Blitz:** Rohit Sharma’s quick-fire 58 laid a strong foundation for India but his dismissal sparked a collapse.

- **Asalanka’s Double Strike:** Asalanka’s back-to-back wickets of Dube and Arshdeep in the final over ensured a thrilling finish.

#### Commentary and Analysis

Sri Lanka's resilience, especially their spin attack, was the highlight of the game. Despite missing several key fast bowlers, their spinners, including debutant Mohamed Shiraz, kept India on the back foot. For India, the over-reliance on the top order was evident, and the middle order will need to step up in the coming matches.

#### Fan Ratings and Reactions

Fans were treated to an edge-of-the-seat thriller. Social media was abuzz with praise for Asalanka’s leadership and criticism of India’s middle-order collapse. The tie leaves both teams with valuable lessons and sets the stage for an exciting series ahead.

The next match will be crucial for both teams as they look to gain an upper hand in the series. With the momentum from this thrilling tie, cricket fans can expect another exciting contest.

**Dube’s Heroic Attempt**

Shivam Dube's knock was the cornerstone of India's response. The narrative "Hasaranga, Asalanka pick up three-fors to force a tie Dube had helped India draw level with his power-hitting against spin but could not take them over" highlights how Dube almost turned the game on its head. His aggressive approach against the spinners showcased his ability to clear the boundaries at will, making the run chase a thrilling spectacle.

Dube’s innings was a display of raw power and timing, especially against the spinning duo of Hasaranga and Asalanka. His ability to read the spinners and dispatch the ball into the stands kept India in the hunt till the very end. Unfortunately, despite his heroic effort, he fell just short of securing the win for India.

**A Nail-Biting Finish**

The match narrative "Hasaranga, Asalanka pick up three-fors to force a tie Dube had helped India draw level with his power-hitting against spin but could not take them over" reached its climax in the final overs. With the equation becoming tighter and the pressure mounting, every ball became crucial. The Indian tail-enders tried to follow Dube's lead but found it challenging against the disciplined Sri Lankan attack.

Hasaranga and Asalanka’s wickets were pivotal in creating this nail-biting finish. Their ability to take wickets at critical junctures stifled the Indian innings and led to the tie. The crowd witnessed a game that ebbed and flowed with each over, providing a perfect advertisement for the excitement that T20 cricket can offer.

**Strategic Brilliance and On-Field Drama**

The match was not just about individual performances but also about strategic brilliance and on-field drama. The phrase "Hasaranga, Asalanka pick up three-fors to force a tie Dube had helped India draw level with his power-hitting against spin but could not take them over" captures the essence of this strategic battle. The Sri Lankan captain's decision to bowl Hasaranga and Asalanka at crucial times paid rich dividends.

India’s strategy to counter the spinners with Dube’s aggressive batting almost worked. The dynamic between Dube’s power-hitting and the spinners’ guile created a captivating contest. The tension was palpable as each team sought to outsmart the other, leading to a thrilling conclusion.

**Post-Match Reactions**

In the aftermath, the cricketing fraternity buzzed with reactions to the tied match. The narrative "Hasaranga, Asalanka pick up three-fors to force a tie Dube had helped India draw level with his power-hitting against spin but could not take them over" was echoed by analysts and fans alike. Many praised Hasaranga and Asalanka for their match-defining performances, while Dube's knock was lauded for its audacity and skill.

Sri Lankan captain commended his bowlers for their resilience and ability to handle pressure. Indian skipper reflected on the missed opportunities but also highlighted Dube’s exceptional innings. The match served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where the game can change in the blink of an eye.

**Looking Ahead**

Both teams will take valuable lessons from this encounter. For Sri Lanka, the performance of Hasaranga and Asalanka will boost their confidence going forward. They will aim to build on this momentum in the upcoming matches. The phrase "Hasaranga, Asalanka pick up three-fors to force a tie Dube had helped India draw level with his power-hitting against spin but could not take them over" will serve as a motivational tale for their future endeavours.

India, on the other hand, will look to address the areas where they fell short. Dube’s innings, despite the outcome, will be a positive takeaway. The team will work on refining their approach to handling spin and finishing games under pressure. This tied match will undoubtedly fuel their determination to come back stronger.

**Conclusion**

The phrase "Hasaranga, Asalanka pick up three-fors to force a tie Dube had helped India draw level with his power-hitting against spin but could not take them over" will resonate with cricket fans for its encapsulation of a thrilling contest. This T20 match showcased the essence of the format – the unpredictability, the excitement, and the sheer brilliance of individual performances.

As the cricketing world looks back on this encounter, it will be remembered as a game where two teams fought valiantly, where bowlers and batsmen alike displayed their skills, and where the spirit of competition shone brightly. The tie, a rare result in T20 cricket, added to the allure of the match, making it a classic that will be talked about for years to come.