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Team India all-rounder Washington Sundar made a huge breakthrough by trapping the well-set Pathum Nissanka LBW in the first ODI against Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, August 2. The opening batter scored 56 runs off 75 deliveries, recording more than half of the team's total up until his dismissal.
Nissanka was the sole batter who looked relatively comfortable against the Indian bowling attack. He had to watch his batting partners depart one by one, and batting in difficult conditions. With the new ball moving, and Shivam Dube and the spin trio giving no room to operate in the middle overs, Nissanka still found a way to keep the scoreboard ticking.
After Sri Lanka were reduced to 91-4 after skipper Charith Asalanka's dismissal, it was crucial for Nissanka to bat as deep as possible. However, Washington Sundar got the better of the set batter with a delivery that spun quite a lot.
The off-spinner, coming from over the wicket, pitched the delivery well outside the off-stump. However, the sharp turn and the tricky length pinned Nissanka as he attempted to nudge the ball to the leg side, and the ball struck the pad.
On-field umpire Joel Wilson adjudged the decision as out, which was contested by Nissanka through a review. However, replays showed that the wickets hitting was umpire's call, leading to Nissanka's departure.
Have a look at the wicket right here:
Nissanka's innings included nine fours, and had a strike rate of 74.67. He remains the highest run-scorer in the format since 2023, and showed his fine form in the T20I series as well.
Washington Sundar is bowling a decent spin through the middle overs in 1st ODI
The off-spinner was introduced in the 21st over of the innings when left-handed Charisth Asalanka came to the crease. He conceded four boundaries in his couple of overs, but came back strongly to bowl a tight over, and then claimed the crucial wicket of Nissanka.
Sundar was close to claiming wickets off successive deliveries as umpire adjudged Dunith Wellalage out on the first ball itself, but the decision was overturned following a review.
As of writing, Sri Lanka are placed at 142-5 after 34 overs, with the duo of Janith Liyanage and Dunith Wellalage putting on a crucial partnership to get Sri Lanka to a competitive total.
