India's Chase of 231 Ends in a Tie: Analysis of the Performance
India, while chasing a target of 231, started well but eventually tied the game in the end. It was a tricky pitch to bat on, but many mistakes could have been avoided. Rohit Sharma played exceptionally well, making good use of the powerplay given the conditions.
What Went Wrong?
Why did we bottle up the chase? How did we choke when the required run rate was around 4 RPO? Was it the approach that cost us the match and resulted in a tie?
India's opening partnership was 75 runs, with Rohit scoring the majority. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer controlled the innings well until the 25th over, when Kohli was trapped by Hasaranga. As commentators often say, "One brings two," and that’s exactly what happened as Iyer gave his wicket in the same over. India was in a bit of trouble at that moment, but KL Rahul and Axar Patel were taking the match closer by scoring singles and doubles.
The match was well within our grasp, but after the 35th over, umpires called for a drinks break, and the only message from the dressing room was to attack. Was it right to attack when the required rate was just around 4 - 4.5 RPO? I asked some friends, and opinions were divided. Some said the decision was wrong; others felt only Axar should have attacked while Rahul played his game. I personally feel that attacking was unnecessary at that moment; singles and doubles would have assured us the win.
Rahul got out while playing a slog sweep after already scoring a boundary in that over. Was that shot really necessary? That wicket prevented us from winning. Axar got out to a good ball, so no fault there, but imagine if Rahul had still been at the crease when Axar got out. Dube played well but got out LBW when 1 run was needed off 15 balls. Then came Arshdeep Singh, who tried to hit a six but got out LBW. Perhaps it was the attacking approach that cost us the match. We should play according to the situation, not with a single approach. Attack when necessary and play singles and doubles when required. Don’t try to play like England; play according to the situation, which was the approach under Shastri and Rahul Dravid.
Spinners' Performance
Our spinners were not up to the mark. On a track like this, we expect our spinners to bowl more attacking lengths. Sri Lankan spinners took 9 wickets with an economy rate of 4.45, whereas Indian spinners took only 4 wickets with an economy rate of 3.86 (excluding 1 over from Gill). They were successful in keeping the opposition’s score under control, but when it came to taking wickets, we fell short. However, I believe they will play to their quality in the 2nd ODI.
Post-Match Comments
Sri Lanka's skipper, Charith Asalanka, said they did well but could have restricted India to fewer runs. He noted that it gets easier to bat under lights and appreciated the energy shown by his team in the second innings, especially Dunith Wellalage and Pathum Nissanka's performances.
India's captain, Rohit Sharma, mentioned that they batted well in patches but lacked consistent momentum in the chase. He acknowledged the game would start once the spinners came on and noted that the pitch remained the same for both innings. He concluded by saying that the game shifted between both teams at different times and they should have secured that one run.
Predictions for the 2nd ODI
For the 2nd ODI, I think Rohit will try to bat first and set a huge target. The match will be played at the same stadium as the 1st ODI. Scott Styris mentioned ahead of the 1st ODI toss that the pitch, used for the LPL Qualifier, might turn and could be a bit tacky, making batting easier under lights.
The second-last ODI at this venue was between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in January this year. In that match, Zimbabwe was bundled out for 96, and Sri Lanka chased the target in 27 overs, losing two wickets.
Expect a long partnership from Rohit and Kohli. The team batting first might score at least 260+. Riyan Parag might play instead of Dube, and Washington Sundar could be a standout player. Harshit Rana might replace Arshdeep Singh. I predict India will win the match.
PS: While writing this blog, the toss for the 2nd ODI occurred, and Sri Lanka is batting first with no changes in the Indian team.
Thank you,
Advait Kadam
(Sports Management Student)
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