In a nostalgic throwback to the 1990s, India and Sri Lanka delivered a classic ODI encounter in Colombo, brimming with old-school cricketing vibes. The game was a low-scoring thriller that showcased the art of spin bowling, transporting fans to a bygone era before the advent of modern cricketing technology.
Watch closely as legbreaks spin and topspinners fizz, with the field set traditionally—a slip in place, and a run rate that allowed for a strategic approach. This was a quintessential ODI clash, filled with the nostalgic charm of the late 90s and early 2000s, a time when ball-tracking technology and LED stumps were still a glimmer on the horizon.
Pathum Nissanka’s innings of 56 off 75 balls felt like a step back in time. In today’s fast-paced game, such an innings would be seen as outdated, but it harked back to an era when anchors were a staple of the format. Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and Janith Liyanage also played with a measured pace that seemed almost archaic by modern standards.
The pitch, favoring spin, saw 30 overs of spin bowling compared to just 20 of seam. Shubman Gill’s brief stint with offspin added a quirky historical touch, while Charith Asalanka’s diligent spin work exemplified the classic approach.
India’s opening pair captured the essence of cricket’s past, with Rohit Sharma’s aggressive play complementing Shubman Gill’s more subdued style. Rohit’s powerful shots, including a six over midwicket and consecutive fours, evoked memories of the fearless batsmen of yesteryear who thrived on hard pitches and early powerplays.
Sri Lanka’s reliance on spin, including Asalanka’s unremarkable but effective spells, highlighted the game’s traditional nature. Despite being played in modern times, the half-empty stands and the ODI format’s diminishing popularity suggested a shift in cricket’s focus. The format, often overshadowed by the rise of T20, remains a nostalgic favorite for many.
The final moments of the game were a fitting tribute to cricket’s classic era. Asalanka’s spell against India’s tailenders, culminating in Arshdeep Singh’s agricultural hoick, underscored the enduring appeal of traditional cricketing battles. While the sport evolves, moments like these remind us of the timeless joy in revisiting cricket’s rich history.
Chief Score :-
Sri Lanka :- 230/8 (50) (Pathum Nissanka 56(75), Kusal Mendis 14(31), Charith Asalanka14(21), Dunith Wellalage 67(65), Wanindu Hasaranga 24(35) – Arshdeep Singh 2-47, Axar Patel 2-33, Kuldeep Yadav 1-33)
India :- 230/10 (47.5) (Rohit Sharma 58(47), Shubman Gill 16(35), Virat Kohli 24(32), Shreyas Iyer 23(23) Axar Patel 33(57), Shivam Dube25(24) – Dunith Wellalage 2-39, Wanindu Hasaranga 3-58, Charith Asalanka 3-30)
Player of the Match :- Dunith Wellalage
Source :- https://www.espncricinfo.com/
