India's head coach Gautam Gambhir's decision to promote Washington Sundar to bat at no.4 didn't auger well for India as the first ODI against Sri Lanka on August 2, Friday. Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has apparently lashed out at Gambhir's call. The first of a three-game series, ended in a tie as India couldn't make the most of their advantageous position. Sri Lanka batted first and ended their innings at a modest 230/8, with Pathum Nissanka and Dunith Wellalage each scoring half-centuries. For India, Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel each took two wickets.
In response, India were all out for 230 runs, leading to the tie. Captain Rohit Sharma gave India a strong start with a quickfire 33-ball fifty and formed a 75-run partnership with Shubman Gill. However, Wellalage dismissed both Sharma and Gill in rapid succession, reducing India to 80 for 2.
India appeared comfortably ahead in the chase and poised for victory. However, despite contributions from key players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and others, the team faltered in the middle order. With just one run needed and two wickets in hand, India seemed certain to clinch the match. Yet, in a stunning turn of events, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka dismissed the Indian lower order with consecutive deliveries, securing a thrilling one-run victory for the hosts.
Basit Ali criticises Gambhir's call to promote Washinton Sundar to no.4
Despite a strong start with the bat, India couldn't chase down 231 runs, prompting Basit Ali to criticize head coach Gautam Gambhir for sending allrounder Washington Sundar in at number four. Sundar was promoted to this position to handle left-arm spinner Wellalage, who had been troubling India's right-handed batsmen.
"He sent Sundar at 4, which was a surprise for me. Was Gautam trying to do a left-right combination? I think sending Sundar at number 4 doesn't make sense," Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel.
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In a heart-stopping finish, India's hopes for victory were dashed when Arshdeep Singh was clean bowled by Asalanka. With just one run needed and one wicket remaining, India were on the brink of victory, but Asalanka's final over proved to be a nightmare for the visitors.
Both the teams will look to bounce back in the second ODI which is set to be played on Sunday, August 2.
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