India’s interim bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule claimed that the bowlers conceded 15-20 extra runs during the first ODI of the three-match series against Sri Lanka. However, Sairaj Bahutule added that the overall effort of the Indian bowlers was good as they restricted Sri Lanka to 230 runs during the first match of the series.

The first ODI match between India and Sri Lanka ended in a draw at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, August 2. The Men in Blue failed to secure the victory despite being in a position to win. The visiting team failed to reach the target of 231 runs to start the ongoing ODI series on a winning note.

We could have got them for 15-20 runs less – Sairaj Bahutule

In the post-match press conference, Sairaj Bahutule praised fast bowlers Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj and Shivam Dube for their performance on a pitch favourable to spin bowlers. Bahutule also stated that spin bowlers Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav contributed well.

“They came together after we reduced them to 160 for six, maybe we could have got them for 15-20 runs less. But overall, I think the bowlers did well. Arshdeep and Siraj started well and Shivam bowled well over one wicket, which was slightly helpful for the bowlers. I think spinners Washi, Axar and Kuldeep contributed well. Restricting them to 230 was, I think, a good effort.” said Bahutule.

Sri Lanka lost five wickets for 101 runs after winning the toss. Dunith Wellalage and Janith Liyanage added a 41-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Liyanage was dismissed for 20 runs off 26 deliveries. Wellalage helped the team reach 230-8 from 142-6. He scored 67 off 65 balls, including seven fours and two sixes.

Sairaj Bahutule praised Rohit Sharma for his aggressive start with the bat in chasing runs. Bahutule mentioned that the Indian team could have made an extra effort to secure the win.

“The associations were very important. The start that Rohit gave was fantastic and it looked like it would be a period where we would not lose many wickets. Hasaranga and Asalanka They executed their skills, which was pretty good. I think we did our best to achieve those partnerships. But I think Shivam also batted well and contributed overall. But obviously, we could have made that extra effort to score that one run.” Bahutule added.

Rohit Sharma continued his aggressive style of cricket in the powerplay. The Indian team scored 71 runs in the first 10 overs as they chased down a target of 231 runs. Sharma scored 58 runs in 47 balls before being dismissed by Dunith Wellalage. The team then lost wickets at regular intervals, collapsing to 197-7.

However, Shivam Dube helped the team reach 230-8 in 47.3 overs. Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka kept his cool and dismissed Dube and Arshdeep Singh with consecutive deliveries. The match ended in a draw and a Super Over could not decide the outcome of the series opener in Colombo.

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