India, Indian Cricket Team
India. (Photo: Twitter)

The Indian team collected a crucial ten points by beating Sri Lanka in the first ODI by seven wickets in Colombo to lead the three-match series. India’s stand-in captain Shikhar Dhawan struck an unbeaten 86 to complete the chase of 263 with more than 13 overs to spare. As a result, the men in blue surged to the fifth spot in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League standings.

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India’s spinners were significant in halting Sri Lanka’s charge after they made a steady start in the first ten overs. The partnership of 49 between Charith Asalanka and captain Dasun Shanaka allowed the hosts some respite as plotted their way to a respectable total. Later, Chamika Karunaratne’s 35-ball 43, including a big final over, gave Sri Lanka plenty of hope. They raced 262 after being in danger of not playing out their full overs.

ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League: India Climb To 5th Spot After A Comprehensive Win Over Sri Lanka
Shikhar Dhawan, India vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI, Colombo, July 18, 2021 (Photo-AFP via Getty Images)

However, Prithvi Shaw began making the target look like a cakewalk in the first five overs itself. The right-handed batsman smashed nine boundaries in his 24-ball 43 as he put 58 with Shikhar Dhawan for the opening wicket. Debutant Ishan Kishan continued the onslaught, scoring a 33-ball fifty. Manish Pandey and Dhawan also did well to tick along before the latter drove the visitors home with Suryakumar Yadav.

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India rise to fifth from the ninth position in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League standings:

ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League: India Climb To 5th Spot After A Comprehensive Win Over Sri Lanka
(Credits: ICC)