India tour of Sri Lanka 2021

18 Jul 2021

Ishan Kishan on Sunday became the 16th Indian to score a half century on debut in ODI cricket. Kishan blazed his way to the mark in just 33 balls, making it the second fastest ODI fifty by an Indian after Krunal Pandya's 26-ball blitzkrieg against England in March.

Kishan, who is making his debut in the match alongwith Mumbai Indians team mate Suryakumar Yadav started the innings with a six off the very first ball he faced. He went on to smash eight fours and two sixes, reaching his half century with a four off Charith Asalanka. Kishan was eventually dismissed by Lakshan Sandakan in the 18th over on 59 off 42 balls.

Kishan is thus only the second player after South Africa's Rassie Van der Dussen to score half centuries on debut in ODI and T20I cricket. He had scored 56 off 32 balls in India's seven-wicket win over England in Ahmedabad in March this year.

India are chasing 263 for victory in the ongoing first ODI after Sri Lanka posted 262 for 7 in 50 overs after chasing to bat first. Shikhar Dhawan, who is India's captain for the tour, surpassed 6000 runs during his partnership with Kishan.

Dhawan reached the milestone in his 140th innings, thus making him the fourth fastest batsmen in terms of innings to reach the milestone.

He is also the second fastest Indian to reach the mark, surpassing former India captain Sourav Ganguly (147). Regular captain Virat Kohli (136) remains the fastest Indian to do so, while former South Africa batsman Hashim Amla (123) is the fastest of all time to get to the mark.