Asalanka's last over magic forces tie against India in first ODI clash

Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka took two successive wickets to force a tie in the opening one-day international against India at Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday.

Asalanka, an off-spinner, bowled the 48th over with India chasing 231 for victory and needing five runs from 18 balls. He trapped Shivam Dube lbw for 25 as the ninth wicket and then dismissed Arshdeep Singh, resulting in India being bowled out for 230, matching Sri Lanka's total of 230-8.

With no Super Over in play, the match ended in a tie -- the second such result between the two teams in the 50-over format. Both teams head into the second of the three-match series level at 0-0.

"We felt 230 was enough, should have done better to restrict them further," said Asalanka. "I thought the wicket turned more in the afternoon. Once the light was on it was easier to bat."

Sri Lanka's Dunith Wellalage stood out with an unbeaten 67 and took two wickets, including India's skipper Rohit Sharma for 58. Wanindu Hasaranga and Asalanka each took three wickets, delivering regular strikes to unsettle India's batting lineup.

KL Rahul (31) and Axar Patel (33) attempted to steer India towards victory with a sixth-wicket partnership of 57, but their efforts fell short after their dismissals. Dube's two sixes in his 24-ball 25 were not enough to secure the win.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who made 24, returned to the ODI team after India's T20 series sweep under Suryakumar Yadav. Rohit and Kohli retired from T20 internationals following India's World Cup triumph in Barbados in June but continue to play ODIs and Tests.

Sri Lanka's batting was bolstered by Wellalage's partnerships, including a 46-run stand with Akila Dananjaya (17). Pathum Nissanka's 56 and contributions from Janith Liyanage (20) and Hasaranga (24) were notable.

Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel took two wickets each for India. Sri Lanka's bowling attack, led by debutant Mohamed Shiraz, showed resilience despite missing key pacers Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka due to injuries.

The second match of the series is scheduled for Sunday at the same venue.