India's spinners thrived on the sluggish, arid surface at Khettarama, restricting Sri Lanka to 230 for 8 in the first ODI. Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar, preferred over Riyan Parag, together tallied 29-1-112-4, often kicking up dust from the pitch previously used for the LPL Qualifier 2. Sri Lanka’s eventual score owed much to the half-centuries from opener Pathum Nissanka and allrounder Dunith Wellalage.
Axar’s initial over hinted at the spin dominance to come. He tossed his first ball outside off-stump, instantly finding grip and turn, making Nissanka cautious. His fifth ball kicked up and spun away, reminiscent of Rangana Herath’s deliveries on this ground. With the pitch-aiding spinners, Axar consistently utilised the footmarks created by Arshdeep Singh rather than seeking a magic ball. His perseverance paid off in his sixth over when Sadeera Samarawickrama chipped a catch to short cover for eight runs.
Kuldeep intensified the pressure on Sri Lanka's middle order with his skillful variations. After narrowly missing Charith Asalanka's bat a few times, he finally had the Sri Lankan captain caught by Rohit Sharma at first slip for 14 runs. Kuldeep also came close to dismissing Wanindu Hasaranga, who survived due to Rohit’s drop at slip.
Washington Sundar, India's third spinner, was brought into the attack in the 21st over and quickly found his rhythm. He narrowly missed Asalanka’s edge and then trapped the right-handed Nissanka lbw for 56 in the 27th over.
Wellalage, promoted to No. 7 above Hasaranga, countered Washington’s offspin effectively, scoring 20 runs off 21 balls. He innovatively reverse-swept Washington and ramped Mohammed Siraj for boundaries, eventually reaching his maiden ODI fifty off 59 balls. Nissanka’s measured fifty reached off 67 balls, came after he selectively attacked loose deliveries from Siraj and Arshdeep. Despite a promising start, Nissanka fell to Washington, though his innings could have ended earlier if Siraj had caught a tough chance in the powerplay.
Wellalage then partnered with the lower order, adding 41 runs with Janith Liyanage, 36 with Hasaranga, and 46 with Akila Dananjaya, who replaced Maheesh Theekshana.
With Hasaranga, Dananjaya, and Wellalage expected to play significant roles with the ball, Sri Lanka aimed to defend their total. India employed seven bowling options, including Shubman Gill’s rare spell in his ODI career. Allrounder Shivam Dube, returning to ODIs after over four years, took his first wicket in the format, dismissing Kusal Mendis lbw for 14 with a delivery that nipped away sharply.
Sri Lanka's lower-order resilience and India's versatile bowling setup highlighted an engaging series opener, setting the stage for a competitive contest.