The first ODI game for India in 2024 ended up being quite a rollercoaster. With big names like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer returning to the lineup, India hoped to continue their dominant streak against Sri Lanka. For most of the match, it seemed like India would come out on top. But like the third T20I only days ago, this match also ended in a tie.

This low-scoring clash had an old-school ODI feel to it, a throwback to the days when sub-250 scores were the norm. Sri Lanka, opting to bat first, recovered from a precarious 101/5 to post a total of 230/8. Pathum Nissanka continued his good ODI form with a patient 56, but it was the promising young Dunith Wellalage whose 67* proved to be a deciding factor.

India began their chase in complete control, with Rohit Sharma scoring a quick 50 off just 33 balls. However, despite most of the batters getting starts, Sri Lanka kept chipping away at the wickets.

India were in trouble at 132/5 with two new batters at the crease, but KL Rahul and Axar Patel kept India's hopes alive with a solid partnership. Wanindu Hasaranga eventually broke through, dismissing Rahul, and Charith Asalanka's crucial wicket of Axar turned the tide. Asalanka then provided the final flourish, dismissing Shivam Dube and Arshdeep Singh off consecutive balls to bowl India out with the scores level. 

The game was a thrilling spectacle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. This rare tie has set the stage for an intriguing series, with both teams eager to claim victory in the next encounter. With the next match on August 4th, the fans are buzzing with anticipation for another closely contested encounter.