In the final match, SL defeated India with 110-run margin to end the series almost three decades later. Wellalage’s five wickets were the reasons behind the win.
This was a remarkable moment in Sri Lankan cricket history. The island nation ousted India by 110 runs in the third ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday, signifying their first bilateral ODI series victory over India in 27 years. This win not only resulted in a 2-0 clean sweep over India but also put an end to a long-standing Indian power in bilateral ODI contests.
After winning the toss and batting first, Sri Lanka cricket team set a competitive total of 248 for 7. Avishka Fernando, in his first match, played an anchor role, rounding off a sturdy 96 from 102 balls with the help of nine boundaries and two sixes.
He was united in invaluable partnerships, where they collectively produced an 89-run partnership for the first wicket along with Pathum Nissanka (45) and 82 for Kusal Mendis, who made 59. Some of the players from India and Sri Lanka showed brilliance in their opening game, but the latter still succeeded in reaching the target in a competitive match that favored the spinners.
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India’s response was thwarted by the raging delivery of Dunith Wellalage, a left-arm spinner of Sri Lanka, who was in form in this game and unleashed a killer spell. The left-arm chinaman bowler of Sri Lanka was on fire that day. He made the opponents deal with the top orders and recorded extraordinary figures of 5 for 27.
Also, his incredible athletic skill captured the wickets of other significant players like the Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, and the brilliant batsman Virat Kohli. Initially, the trail they started with was 35, but Sharma was dismissed by Kusal Mendis after being caught, whereas Chipra was out for 20 lbw by Wellalage for 20.
The Indian cricket team line-up, a group that had earlier secured victories through resilient play, stumbled over the spinning capers of Wellalage’s and the turning conditions at R Premadasa Stadium. As the wickets kept coming down, the Indian team did not even have the chance to build momentum.
The only other winning resistance came from Washington Sundar (30), who contributed at the right time. Thus India finally was all out for such a small sum as 138 in only 26.1 overs.
Wellalage’s superior play in the middle overs was the most important factor in the game. His outstanding control and spin variations were the Indian batsmen’s weakness, which they could not overcome. Not only Wellalage but all the Sri Lanka cricket team bowlers completed their mission very efficiently. The final score was excellent. However, it was well above India’s ability to reach the score.
In comparison with what their actual innings was, the mid-innings collapse of Sri Lanka was however a spot in their innings. Fernando was the hero of the side when he contributed 96 from the total and made good partnerships with Nissanka and Mendis. Fernando’s performance was the main factor in setting an excellent goal, which was later helped by contributions from Mendis and the lower order.
The Indian innings were slow to start, mainly due to the excellent spin by Mendis and Weallage and the fact that the pitch was a turning one.
The breakdown went into action when Rohit Sharma was dismissed, followed by Virat Kohli’s wicket and then a series of other wickets as the Indian batsmen struggled to cope with the spinning pitch and the good Sri Lankan bowling. The loss represents a significant event in Indian cricket, ending 27 years of not losing the bilateral ODI series to Sri Lanka. It is the defeat that lifts the cover from the most memorable parts of the loss, especially the spin-friendly conditions and their partnership-building skills under pressure.
The Sri Lanka cricket team triumph is the proof of their strategic capabilities and their effective performance in the field. Under the captaincy of Charith Asalanka and the guidance of interim head coach Sanath Jayasuriya, the Sri Lankan team displayed a comprehensive ensemble. This series win is the most valued win for Sri Lanka now, the ODI format of the national team is back rejuvenated.
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This victory also points out the competitive nature of international cricket, a platform where the past glory and dominance of a side is just one part of a future story. For India, this series loss will necessitate a time of further assessment and adaptation as a part of their preparations for the coming challenges.
At the end of the last match, the Sri Lankans happily won their first-ever game, sharing shines and dancing. The series victory over India – a remarkable achievement by Sri Lanka cricket team representatives – is their march to a brighter new path of cricketing history with the world. On the other hand, for India, the pivotal question will revolve around detecting their performance, and preparations for their next series are undoubtedly a must with focused solutions and strategies.
References:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/sri-lanka-end-27-year-drought-against-india-in-an-odi-series-win-third-match-by-110-runs/articleshow/112352055.cms?from=mdr
https://kashmirreader.com/2024/08/08/sri-lanka-end-27-yr-drought-against-india-in-odi-series-win-third-match-by-110-runs/
https://crictoday.com/cricket/daily-cricket-news/sri-lanka-ends-27-year-drought-defeats-india-in-3rd-odi-by-110-runs/
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/sri-lanka-captain-asalanka-wins-third-successive-toss-elects-to-bat-against-india-in-final-odi-101723021823867.html