Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka admitted they didn’t use the new ball well in the first ODI against India after losing by 67 runs at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on Tuesday. Shanaka feels the new ball bowlers – Kasun Rajitha and Dilshan Madhushanka – could not execute their plans.
Indian openers – Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma – gave a blistering start to their team as they timed the ball to perfection to hit the gaps and find regular boundaries. The duo scored seven boundaries in the first four overs as they were able to hit the blocks.
The opening duo added a fine opening alliance of 143 runs and gave a perfect platform to the middle order. Rohit scored 83 runs whereas Gill contributed 70, vindicating the team’s decision to play him ahead of Ishan Kishan.
Virat Kohli was then able to hit the ground running and looked at his previous best to score his 45th ODI century. However, the Sri Lankan bowlers failed to hit the right areas and all of them conceded their runs at an economy rate of more than six.
In fact, at one stage India looked all set to cross the 400-run mark but could not finish their batting on a high, managing only 79 runs in the last 10 overs.
Dasun Shanaka said in the post-match presentation, “I think the start their openers gave, we didn’t use the new ball well, unlike their bowlers who got it to swing. We did have a plan, but the bowler’s didn’t execute the basics right. We didn’t use variations during the first 10 overs. (With the bat) I think I’m doing the basics well, I think I should bat higher in the T20Is, but the team needs me to bat at 6 with Bhanuka at 5.”
On the other hand, Umran Malik impressed with the ball as he returned with figures of 3-57 in the eight overs he bowled. Malik once again bowled with rapid pace and touched the 156 kmph mark in his second over.
Malik said after the game, “I have played 6 games, I just want to bowl well and in the right areas. The wicket was flat, I spoke with Siraj bhai, and Shami bhai, and the input was to make the most of my pace. I want to be as accurate as possible.”
The second ODI between India and Sri Lanka will be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Thursday.
