India's Arshdeep Singh let a golden opportunity slip through his fingers in the thrilling first ODI against Sri Lanka. With just one run required off 14 balls, the equation was simple for the tailender. However, in a moment of recklessness, Arshdeep attempted a big shot on the first ball he faced, only to be trapped leg before wicket. The umpire's decision was upheld by the DRS, leaving India stunned and the match ending in a tie.
Arshdeep Singh's lack of game awareness cost India in 1st ODI
Arshdeep faced backlash for his shot selection on social media, and a former India cricketer also criticised him for his poor game awareness.
"You can’t expect run from the tail enders but a bit of game awareness is paramount for any cricketer. That shot from Arshdeep isn’t going to impress the coach Gambhir #SLvIND #DoddaMathu," Ganesh wrote on X.
Dodda Ganesh commended the Sri Lankan bowlers for their impressive comeback, turning the game in their favor. He also highlighted how the thrilling tie would significantly boost the team's confidence for the upcoming matches.
"And it’s a tie. Great application shown by Sri Lankan bowlers. This is a going to be a great moral booster for the underdogs #SLvIND," Ganesh wrote on X.
Meanwhile, at the post-match presentation captain Rohit Sharma also expressed his disappointment over India's failure to chase down a target of 231 with 14 balls and one wicket remaining.
“In the end, little disappointing, 14 balls, 1 run to get. These things happen. Sri Lanka played well. In the end, it was a fair result,” Rohit had said.
Talking about the match, Rohit Sharma's half-century and contributions from Axar Patel and KL Rahul gave India a solid start in the chase. However, Shivam Dube's dismissal with just one run needed proved to be a decisive moment as Sri Lanka secured a thrilling tie. Charith Asalanka, who picked up three wickets, including Dube's, was the standout bowler for the hosts, while Wanindu Hasaranga also claimed three scalps.
However, it will be a big setback for Sri Lanka as their star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the remainder of the ODI series against India due to hamstring injury. The second ODI between India and Sri Lanka will be played on August 4.
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