By Sports Desk
TWA
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COLOMBO: In a stunning comeback following a 3-0 whitewash in the T20I series, Sri Lanka clinched a remarkable 2-0 victory in the three-match ODI series against India. This historic win marks Sri Lanka’s first bilateral series triumph over India since 1997.
Despite missing several key fast bowlers due to injuries, Sri Lanka’s spin attack, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Charith Asalanka, proved instrumental throughout the series. In the final ODI at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lankan bowlers bowled out India for a mere 138 runs in 26.1 overs, sealing a decisive 110-run victory.
The series opened with a thrilling tie in the first ODI, followed by a 32-run victory for Sri Lanka in the second match. India’s struggle to win the toss and their initial decision to field fewer spinners played a significant role in their defeat. Even with the inclusion of four spinners in the final game, India could not overcome Sri Lanka’s formidable performance.
This series win holds special significance for Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka and Interim Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya. Notably, young all-rounder Dunith Wellalage delivered a standout performance, taking five wickets in the final match and earning the Player of the Series award. Jeffrey Vandersay, stepping in for the injured Hasaranga in the second ODI, was crucial in securing that victory with six key wickets.
Batting first in the third ODI, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 248-7, thanks to significant contributions from Avishka Fernando, who scored 96, and Kusal Mendis, who added 59 runs. India, needing 249 to save the series, faced a challenging start as Sri Lankan bowlers Asitha Fernando and Wellalage dismissed Indian openers early on. The Indian batting lineup, led by Rohit Sharma, collapsed under the relentless pressure from Sri Lankan spinners.
The series saw an impressive total of 43 wickets falling to spin, the highest in a bilateral series of three matches or fewer. This also marks the most wickets Indian batsmen have lost to spin in a bilateral ODI series.
Avishka Fernando was named Player of the Match for his crucial innings, while Dunith Wellalage received accolades as Player of the Series. Reflecting on the victory, Wellalage credited his teammates, the coaching staff, and the supportive environment created by the team.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged Sri Lanka’s superior performance and emphasized the need for India to address several areas of improvement. “Losing the series doesn’t mean the end of the world. These guys have been playing very well over the past few years, very consistent. You will lose the odd series,” Sharma remarked.
Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka praised his team’s resilience and strategy. “We all knew they have a very strong batting line-up, and we just wanted to back our strength, which is spin bowling. Yes, the batters struggled a bit, but if you want to win a series, you need to do things like this,” Asalanka said, highlighting the effective team changes made by Coach Sanath Jayasuriya.
This historic series win signifies a significant milestone for Sri Lankan cricket, showcasing the team’s potential and determination to succeed on the international stage.
