The Super Bowl that never happened

 

The first ODI between Sri Lanka and India finished in a draw, however there was controversy around the decision to not play a Super Over to determine the result.

It is acknowledged that the ICC playing conditions for One-Day Internationals, which have been in effect since December 2023 and are now relevant to the circumstances of this series, were not enforced by the on-field umpires.
The match ended in a stalemate because the on-field umpires, Joel Wilson and Raveendra Wimalasiri, ruled against it.

The current ODI playing conditions set out by the ICC are as follows: "A Super Over will be played if, after both innings have been completed (if appropriate under DLS), the sides' scores remain level. Should the Super Over occur,  is tied, more Super Overs will be played until a winner is determined, barring unusual circumstances. In the event that the Super Overs necessary to decide a winner cannot be played or completed, the match will be tied."

As a rule, the ICC has refrained from commenting on bilateral issues. The spokesman for the Indian team has not yet commented on the situation.

Out of 149 ODIs at the Colombo RPS, this was the first match that ended in a draw. After winning the second ODI, hosts Sri Lanka are presently up in the series. India's best opportunity to even the series, which has therefore put an end to their winning streak of 11 consecutive bilateral series (2+ matches), is to draw even in the last ODI.  versus.