After India’s first ODI with Sri-Lanka at the Barabati Stadium, Guwahati where the hosts took the lead in the 3 match ODI series as Lanka were restricted to 306. Dasun Shanaka was the only Sri-Lankan batter who stood firm in the middle till the last ball alongside Kasun Rajitha.
However, despite Shanaka’s hard-earned Century, Sri-Lanka could not win the match as the Indian bowling line-up did the initial hard work really well. But before Dasun Shanaka got to his 100, Mohammed Shami had run the batsman out at the non-strikers end which could have sparked another controversy.
However, Rohit Sharma had a word with Shami before agreeing to withdrew their appeal as Dasun Shanaka was batting at 98. Sharma who scored 83 in the first innings, earned a lot of praise due to his true gesture of Sportsmanship. He also complimented on Shanaka’s batting, saying he was impressive throughout and India did not want to deprive him from a Century like that.
Shanaka went on to score 108 runs alongside 12 Fours and 3 Sixes to his name but he must credit Rohit Sharma who made it possible for him to reach Triple figures. Other than him opener Pathum Nissanka notched 72 runs with Charith Asalanka and Dhananjay Da Silva playing short and ineffective cameos.
But once the match ended, Twitter exploded with tons of reactions from Fans around the country about the Indian Captain’s spirit of goodwill.
Rohit Sharma said, "Mohammad Shami went for the appeal, but Dasun Shanaka was batting on 98, so we didn't want to get him out that way".
This is the difference between @KumarSanga2 , Suraj randiv & Indians @virendersehwag missed well deserved 100 on that Day.#INDvSL #SLvsIND pic.twitter.com/XpYqDCGVZu
— ಹೇಮಂತ್೧೨💛♥️ (@gofida2hemanth) January 10, 2023
We all wanted Shanaka to get his 100, but #RohitSharma withdrawing appeal for the non-striker's runout puts all future Indians going for it vulnerable to criticism.
BCCI and our Captains should take a stance together, just like ECB and their players do. #Shame #mankad #IndvSL
— Krishna Kumar (@KrishnaFootball) January 10, 2023
From being a big fan of Mohammad Shami, i would have become his biggest hater, had he asked the umpire for the run out he did to Shanaka when he was on 98 at the non striker end.#INDvSL | #Shami | #DasunShanaka | #INDvsSL | #CricketTwitter
— Paritosh Kumar 🏏 (@ParitoshK_2016) January 10, 2023
What a game of spirit shown by @ImRo45 & by the #indianteam,
Captain #RohitSharma withdraws the appeal wisely and shows the true gentleness for gentleman's game 👏
Excellent gesture #Captain
Well played @dasunshanaka1 👍#ViratKohli𓃵#ViratKohli#INDvSL #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/mzWzWeqKj6— vikram kautlya (@VKautalya) January 10, 2023
Rohit on the mankad: “I had no idea Shami did that. Shanaka's batting on 98. We got to give it to him. We can't get him out like that" pic.twitter.com/33fz9IXglt
— KalhanRan (@KalhanRan) January 11, 2023
Well played Dasun Shanaka…Fantastic 100 ! 👏Was at 15 off 28 at some point…came here from that ! Also, he would be Run Out at Non Striker on 98 by Shami. Massive Respect for Rohit to withdraw that appeal and showing sportsmanship 🙏💙 pic.twitter.com/n9JJwygoLD
— Shantanu 🎶 (@Shantanu630) January 10, 2023
Mohammad Shami Ran out Shanaka on non striker end on 98 and Rohit said he doesn't want to go to third umpire. My captain 🔥🔥🔥
— ANSHUMAN🚩 (@AvengerReturns) January 10, 2023
Difference between the teams sportsmanship . sanga was part of both as player & in commentary pic.twitter.com/NezIuOJa9X
— Archuthan (@archujb) January 11, 2023
