In a thrilling turn of events, Sri Lanka ended their long wait for an ODI series win after clinching a huge 110-run victory in the third match against India in Colombo on Wednesday. An impressive all-round performance helped Sri Lanka defend 248 runs to seal the three-match series by 2-0.
Playing their last ODI match of 2024, the Indian cricket team witnessed another collapse after a strong start from skipper Rohit Sharma. The young spin all-rounder Dunith Wellalage picked five big wickets to bowl out India to 138 and helped Sri Lanka register a bilateral ODI series win against India for the first time since August 1997.
After failing to chase down low-score targets in the first two matches, India brought Riyan Parag and Rishan Pant into their playing eleven. Sri Lanka won the crucial toss again and replaced Akila Dananjaya with ace spinner Maheesh Theekshana.
Dominating Batting Display by Sri Lanka
Batting first, openers Avishka Fernando and Pathum Nissanka gave Sri Lanka a sensational start with an 89-run stand for the opening wicket. Nissanka missed out on his fifty after being dismissed by Axar Patel but Sri Lanka stayed ahead with Avishka and Kusal adding 82 runs for the second wicket.
The debutant Riyan Parag, the sixth-bowling option, gave India a breakthrough by denying Avishka his century by just four runs, and then Sri Lanka witnessed a big collapse. Kusal added 59 runs, but the rest of the batters struggled to finish strong as Sri Lanka were restricted from 171/1 to 248/7. Parag picked three wickets for 54 to emerge as India’s best bowler while Mohammed Siraj endured a tough day by leaking 78 runs in his nine overs.
Impenetrable Bowling Performance by Sri Lanka
Chasing a challenging total, Rohit Sharma gave India a quickfire start from one end, but Sri Lanka was quick to take control. Avishka bowled out Shubman Gill in the fifth over to give Sri Lanka an opening, and then India never stood a chance against the host’s spinner.
Wellalage produced his career-best figures of five for 27, while Theekshana and last game’s hero Jeffrey Vandersay picked two wickets each. Rohit was the top-scorer with 35 runs, and Washington added 30 runs in the closing stages, but the likes of Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant were disappointing at R Premadasa Stadium.
Through an outstanding display of teamwork and skill, Sri Lanka emerged victorious in the India-Sri Lanka ODI Series 2024, marking a significant milestone in their ODI history. Their remarkable performance showcased their determination and resilience, highlighting their potential for future successes in international cricket.
As the series concludes, both teams will reflect on their performances and strategize for upcoming challenges. Sri Lanka’s triumph will undoubtedly boost their morale and set a positive tone for their future engagements, while India will regroup and analyze the areas for improvement to come back stronger in the next series.
India playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.
Sri Lanka playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Kamindu Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando.
