India captain Rohit Sharma was left disappointed as the way Indian batters stepped up in the first ODI against Sri Lanka on Friday, August 2 at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Notably, India failed to chase down the target of 231 despite a stunning start by Rohit Sharma as the game ended in a tie.

Wanindu Hasaranga (3/58), Charith Asalanka (3/30) and Dunith Wellalage (2/39) shone with the ball against the Indian batters and bundled them out for 230 in 47.5 overs. As a result, Sri Lanka and India tied the game for the second time in their ODI history as well.

ALSO READ: “Shubman’s captaincy is very good” – Ravi Bishnoi on Shubman Gill

Speaking after the game, Rohit Sharma said, “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.”

ALSO READ: Hardik Pandya shares happiness after winning back the love of fans

He further added, “Sri Lanka played well. In the end, it was a fair result. It (pitch) remained the same. There was bite in the first 25 overs when we bowled and it was the same for them as well. As the game went on, the seam wore off for both teams and it was a bit easier to bat. It’s not where you can just come and play your shots and get runs. You have to apply yourself and dig in really well to get that score. Proud of the way how we fought till the end. The game shifted towards both teams at different times. It was important to hold the nerve and stay in the game. We should have got that one run.”

Meanwhile, Dunith Wellalage scored an unbeaten 67* (65) with seven fours and two sixes and guided Sri Lanka to a score of 230/8 in their allotted 50 overs as well. He also dismissed Shubman Gill (16 off 35) and Rohit Sharma. As a result, he was awarded Player of the Match as well.