Riyan Parag debuted for India in ODI Cricket on 7th August against Sri Lanka in the final one day of the series. On debut, he excelled with ball in his hand spinning a web using his off breaks. India went into this match with Rishabh Pant replacing KL Rahul as wicketkeeper batter. After tying the first one and losing the second, India need to win the third to tie the series.
Earlier, Rohit Sharma once again lost the toss and Sri Lanka elected to bat first. Sri Lankan Opener Avishka Fernando took the charge of the innings giving a steady start. Another opener Pathum Nissanka kept growing in confidence. Only pace bowler Mohammed Siraj conceded more than 50 runs in his 6 overs. Shivam Dube took new ball and gave away just 9 runs from his 4 overs.
Nissanka got out after scoring 45 runs from 65 balls. But Fernando kept going and Kusal Mendis supported him well. With spinners tightening the run flow they have put on 82-run partnership for second wicket in 15.4 overs following 89 for first wicket in 19.5 overs. Riyan Parag came into bowling and removed Fernando who looked set for a big century for 96 from 102 balls.
Kuldeep Yadav removed Kusal Mendis after scoring 59, in next few overs. Sri Lanka did not recover post these big blows as Riyan Parag got Captain Charith Asalanka(10) and Dunith Wellalage(2) wickets as well. Except Dube all others took one wicket to restrict Sri Lanka for 248/7 from 50 overs.
Riyan Parag gave away 54 runs for 3 wickets in his 9 overs. He became key in putting a break on Sri Lankan innings that looked cruising along with two set batters. Now, India needs to chase down this moderate score on spin-friendly pitch. If this match ties, both teams agreed to play a super over for result just like in T20Is.
