In an electrifying match in Colombo, Sri Lanka claimed a historic victory over India in the One Day International (ODI) series, marking their first series win against the cricketing giants since 1997. With an impressive 110-run win in the third ODI, the hosts wrapped up the three-match series 2-0, having tied the opening game and won the second match by 32 runs. This incredible achievement not only ended a long-standing drought but also highlighted Sri Lanka’s growing strength in the cricketing world.
The crucial third ODI saw Sri Lanka delivering a powerful performance with both bat and ball. After setting a target of 249, the Sri Lankan bowlers dismantled the Indian batting line-up, bowling them out for just 138 runs in 26.1 overs. The Indian team, captained by Rohit Sharma, struggled to build partnerships, and a rapid collapse of their middle order sealed their defeat in the match.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Brilliance
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was led by the young and talented Dunith Wellalage, who delivered an outstanding performance by taking five wickets. Wellalage’s precise line and length left the Indian batsmen in disarray, while Jeffrey Vandersay added two crucial wickets, further crippling India’s chase.
India’s batting troubles started early, despite a promising start from captain Rohit Sharma, who was the top scorer for the visitors with 35 runs off 20 balls. The early dismissals of Sharma and veteran batter Virat Kohli, who scored only 20 runs off 18 balls, set the stage for a disappointing outing for the Indian team.
The collapse worsened as key players like Rishabh Pant (6), Shreyas Iyer (8), and Axar Patel (2) failed to handle Sri Lanka’s spin attack. Washington Sundar showed some resistance with a 30-run knock off 25 balls, but his dismissal at 138 in the 26th over left India on the brink of defeat. Kuldeep Yadav’s wicket on the first ball of the 27th over ended the innings, cementing Sri Lanka’s historic series win.
A Solid Foundation with the Bat
Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka’s batting line-up laid a strong foundation, posting a competitive total of 248 for seven in their allotted 50 overs. The opening pair of Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando provided a solid start with a partnership of 89 runs in 19.4 overs. Nissanka was dismissed after a well-played 45 off 65 balls, while Fernando was the standout performer, narrowly missing out on a century with an impressive 95 off 102 deliveries.
Kusal Mendis played a key role in stabilizing the innings with a composed 59, while Kamindu Mendis added 23 runs towards the end to help Sri Lanka set a challenging target for the visitors.
A Series to Remember
This series win is a significant milestone for Sri Lanka, highlighting their potential to challenge top-tier teams on the international stage. The young squad has shown remarkable skill and determination, paving the way for a promising future in Sri Lankan cricket.
For India, the series serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the need for introspection and improvements ahead of future tournaments. As Sri Lanka basks in the glory of this historic triumph, cricket fans worldwide will undoubtedly look forward to more thrilling contests between these two cricketing nations.
Umair Latif is a Top Rated Plus freelancer on Upwork. With a deep passion for blogging and content creation, Umair loves to share insights and experiences from his journey in the digital world. He’s dedicated to exploring the latest AI tools, online money-making strategies, and the best digital resources to help his audience stay ahead in the digital age.