Sri Lanka chase ‘No Virat’ score to take 1-0 lead in ODI Series

ONI Bureau: The absence of Virat Kohli had a positive impact on Sri Lankan team, while it turned out to be a disaster for Team India, as they suffered a crushing defeat in the hands of Lankans in the first ODI in Dharamsala. Sri Lanka now lead the three-match ODI series 1-0.

Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first on a wicket that suited the bowlers in cold weather conditions. India slumped to 16/5 at one stage and then to 29/7.

Dhoni’s 65 and Kuldeep Yadav’s 19 helped the team to score 112 in 38.2 overs. Suranga Lakmal took four wickets for Sri Lanka. Nuwan Pradeep took two wickets.

Chasing a meager victory target of 113, Sri Lanka lost two wickets for 19 runs on board. But, Upul Tharanga (49), Angelo Mathews (25*) and Dickwella (26*) batted with full aggression to take the team to an easy win.

Sri Lanka reached 114/3 in 20.4 overs and won the match by 7 wickets. Suranga Lakmal was the obvious choice to win ‘Player of the Match’ award. It was Sri Lanka’s 1st win in ODI after 12 losses in a row.