After 27 long years, Sri Lanka has managed to end its losing streak in ODI series against India. The last time the island nation was successful against India was back in 1997 when the former defeated India by a margin of 3-0.
Sri Lanka Sets Challenging Target
Sri Lanka, through its sterling performance, managed to trounce India in the third and final ODI by 110 runs to notch up their first-ever series victory over India in the 50-over format since 1997. This victory was therefore a huge one, given that it came just after they failed to qualify for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
India Faces Tough Chase
Thanks to Avishka Fernando’s impressive 96 runs, Sri Lanka set a 248-run target. In the first two ODIs, India had struggled to chase targets of 231 and 241; a highest target of the series against Sri Lanka on a dry, difficult pitch was always going to be tough.
India started well in their chase with the smashing of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli on the other hand misfired. The other Indian batters fell quickly in the face of some good spin magic by Wellalage and lost six wickets in under 13 overs.
Dunith Wellalage was the star for Sri Lanka with his left-arm spin, picking four of the first six Indian wickets. He removed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. India’s middle-order collapse saw them lose a record 24 wickets to spin in this series, any bilateral ODI series.
At 92/6, India still had Shivam Dube and debutant Riyan Parag at the crease. Parag, included to beef up the middle order, was bowled by Jeffrey Vandersay. Another change in the team, Rishabh Pant replacing KL Rahul, didn’t make much of a difference.
Also know more on Riyan Parag’s ODI debut for the Indian Cricket Team against Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Seals the Win
Wellalage cleaned up Kuldeep Yadav to claim his fifth wicket as India’s innings folded for 138 in 26.1 overs. Nine of India’s wickets fell to spin, and Wellalage became the first spinner to take a five-wicket haul against India more than once.
Sri Lanka’s Strong Start
Earlier, Sri Lanka openers Pathum Nissanka and Fernando shared a solid 89-run opening stand. Axar Patel broke the opening stand as Nissanka was dismissed. Fernando batted well as he hit a half-century before getting out to Parag, who ended up taking three wickets.
Despite losing the middle order, Kusal Mendis scored a final overs fifty to help Sri Lanka add 31 runs in the last three overs.
Memorable Series Win for Sri Lanka
The total proved to be more than adequate as Sri Lanka pulled off a memorable series win – its first set of back-to-back ODI victories over India since August 2010.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
