Sri Lanka WIN SERIES AFTER 27 YEARS

Third ODI between India and Sri Lanka: On August 7, Sri Lanka made history by defeating India in a bilateral ODI series, which had not been played in 27 years, since 1997.

In Wednesday’s third One-Day International (ODI) match in Colombo, Rohit Sharma-led India was crushed by a massive 110 runs by Charith Asalanka-led Sri Lanka. As a result, they won the series 2-0, since the opening game ended in a tie.

India was ALL OUT in just 26.1 overs, chasing a target of 249 runs. Washington Sundar scored 30 off 25 deliveries, while India’s captain Rohit Sharma scored 35 off 20 balls. Other than Virat Kohli, no other batter was able to score more than 20 runs.

Dunith Wellalage took five wickets for Sri Lanka, while Jeffrey Vandersay and Maheesh Theekshana each claimed two wickets. One wicket was secured by Asitha Fernando.

After taking five wickets in an ODI against India twice, in 2023 and 2024, Dunith Wellalage of Sri Lanka became the first spinner to do so (5/40 in Colombo) and 5/27 in Colombo). Dunith Wellalage was named player of the series, and Asitha Fernando was named player of the match. A quick look at the numbers shows that India lost the most wickets—27—to spin of any team in a bilateral ODI series. Six players for Sri Lanka were also injured and were unable to participate in the series.

On August 7, while playing India in the third One-Day International in Colombo, Sri Lanka amassed a total of 248 off 7 wickets in 50 overs. India needs to win the match with 249 runs. Sri Lanka made 248 runs after winning the toss, but they also lost seven wickets. Avishka Fernando of Sri Lanka amassed 96 off 102 balls, with assistance from Kusal Mendis (59) and Pathum Nissanka (45) with the bat. Regarding India. Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Riyan Parag each claimed one wicket, with Riyan Parag taking three.

In Colombo, Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka chose to bat first after winning the toss. With 41 runs from the first 10 overs of the innings, Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando have laid the groundwork for a score of more than 200. In the penultimate game of the three-match ODI series, Rohit Sharma’s team plays hosts Sri Lanka today at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, hoping to avoid losing the series.

When the first ODI ended with a 1-1 draw and 14 balls remaining, the Men in Blue had lost the lead. In the rematch, the hosts outperformed Team India, winning by a margin of 32 runs. Notably, this is the first time India has lost an ODI series in Sri Lanka since 1997.

Meanwhile, slower bowlers are favored by the Colombo surface. Making his debut on the international scene, Riyan Parag plays bowling mainly. With the ball, Parag can offer some much-needed support. Concerns have also been raised regarding Virat Kohli, who has only amassed 38 runs in the first two games.