India captain Rohit Sharma believes the 231-run target set by Sri Lanka in the first ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium was “achievable”. After restricting Sri Lanka to 230/8, it proved to be a very difficult chase for the Indian team. Despite the explosive start provided by Rohit (58 off 47 balls, with seven fours and three sixes), the chase turned out to be a tense affair for the Indian team. However, the Indian team started losing wickets towards the end, ending the game in a draw in the absence of a super over.

Rohit said in the post-match presentation, “The score was worth it. You have to bat well to get there. We batted well in the patch, no consistent pace, we had the upper hand. We lost two wickets,” Rohit said in the post-match presentation.

After the dismissal of Shreyas Iyer, Sri Lanka were in pole position to end the game. India looked down and out after being reduced to 132-5 in 24.2 overs.

But the pair of Axar Patel (33) and KL Rahul (31) put India back in the game with a stand of 57 runs. After the partnership ended, Shivam Dubey almost took India across the finishing line.

Before he could finish the game, Dube was sent back to the dressing room by captain Charith Asalinka. With one run needed in over two overs, the Sri Lankan skipper delivered the killer blow, ending the game in a draw.

At the end of the game, Rohit felt the result was fair and said, “With KL-Axar’s partnership, we came back. Bit disappointing at the end, these things happened. Sri Lanka played well. In the end, it happened. It (the pitch) remains the same where you have to play.

India and Sri Lanka will return to action on Sunday in the second ODI at the same venue.

(Other than the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)