Sri Lanka v India 1997-1998

At R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, June 19 (day/night). India won by eight wickets. Toss: Sri Lanka. International debut: A. S. A. Perera.

India began the series in style with a thoroughly convincing win over their hosts. Sri Lanka's only significant stand came from Atapattu and De Silva, who put on 145 in 30 overs. But after that, the home batting was restricted to 48 runs off the last ten. India were asked to chase 244 and strolled to victory with more than six overs to spare, helped immeasurably by a rollicking start of 115 in 18 overs from Ganguly and Tendulkar. Ganguly contributed 80 from 114 balls and Tendulkar 65 from 50, quickly reducing the game to a no contest.

Man of the Match: S. C. Ganguly.