The first ODI in the 3-match series ended in a tie as India could only manage to equal Sri Lanka’ first innings score of 230 as Charith Asalanka bowled a delightful spell where he snapped up Shivam Dube and Arshdeep Singh in back to back deliveries with India needing just 1 from 14 balls.
However, a significant oversight by the ICC Match Officials marred the final outcome to the game.
The officials failed to apply a crucial rule that came into effect in December 2023. According to the ICC’s updated rule book, Clause 16.3.1.1 states that if an ODI match ends in a tie, a ‘Super Over’ must be bowled to determine the winner. If the ‘Super Over’ also results in a tie, additional ‘Super Overs’ should be played until a definitive result is achieved, unless exceptional circumstances prevent it.
The ICC’s new playing conditions are designed to ensure a clear resolution in tied matches, but the failure to implement these regulations in yesterday’s match has raised serious concerns about adherence to the latest guidelines.
Match officials said that the absence of a Super Over was due to it being applicable only in ICC events and not in bilateral series. However, further information has emerged indicating that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Sri Lanka-India bilateral tour stipulates that ICC’s December 2023 ODI playing conditions apply to the series.
As of now, there has been no official clarification from the match officials or the ICC regarding the decision not to play a Super Over.
After restricting the hosts to 230 at the end of the first innings, Rohit thought that his batting unit could have chased down the total. However, he lamented on his side’s inability to generate enough momentum consistently. He rued on the regular loss of wickets which put them on the back foot.
