Sri Lanka has won the ODI series against India for the first time since 1997. They defeated Rohit Sharma and his team by 110 runs in the third ODI on Wednesday in Colombo.
The hosts clinched the three-match ODI series 2-0. The first game ended in a tie, and Sri Lanka won the second ODI by 32 runs. In the third match, India was set a target of 249 runs but their batting lineup collapsed. They were all out for 138 runs in just 26.1 overs.
Key Performances
India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, was the top scorer for his team, making 35 runs off 20 balls. However, veteran batter Virat Kohli was dismissed after scoring only 20 runs off 18 balls. Sharma’s dismissal followed by Kohli’s wicket led to a middle-order collapse. Rishabh Pant (6), Shreyas Iyer (8), and Axar Patel (2) could not handle Sri Lanka’s spin attack.
Washington Sundar managed to score 30 runs off 25 balls, but India was left struggling at 138 for nine in 26 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was dismissed on the first ball of the 27th over, sealing Sri Lanka’s historic win.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Excellence
For Sri Lanka, Dunith Wellalage was outstanding with a five-wicket haul, while Jeffrey Vandersay took two crucial wickets.
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a total of 248 for seven in their 50 overs. Their opening pair, Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando, provided a strong start with a partnership of 89 runs in 19.4 overs. Nissanka scored 45 off 65 balls, while Fernando fell just short of a century, making 95 off 102 deliveries.
Kusal Mendis contributed 59 runs, and Kamindu Mendis added 23 runs, helping Sri Lanka reach a competitive score.
Sri Lanka’s victory marks a significant achievement as they win an ODI series against India after 26 years. The team’s strong performance in both batting and bowling was key to their success. This series win will boost Sri Lanka’s confidence as they look forward to future challenges.
