IND vs SL 2024, 3rd ODI: Who won yesterday’s India vs Sri Lanka match?
Sri Lanka beat India by 110 runs in yesterday's (August 7) ODI match at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. With the win, the hosts clinched the three-match series 2-0 and registered their first bilateral ODI series win over the Men in Blue in 27 years.
Batting first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka put up 248-7 on the board in their 50 overs as opener Avishka Fernando top-scored with 96 off 102 balls. In reply, Team India were bundled out for 138 in 26.1 overs as Dunith Wellalage starred with 5-27 in 5.1 overs.
Like in the first two ODIs, India began their chase confidently, courtesy of their skipper Rohit Sharma. Asitha Fernando, however, cleaned up Shubman Gill for 6 as the batter attempted a wild slog. The Men in Blue suffered a telling blow as Rohit (35 off 20) was caught behind off Wellalage, edging a slog-sweep.
Rishabh Pant (6) was stumped off Maheesh Theekshana following a premeditated charge, while Virat Kohli (20) was trapped lbw by a Wellalage arm ball. There was no rescue act from Axar Patel (2) this time as he was clean-bowled by Wellalage, trying to cut one despite not having room to do so.
Shreyas Iyer (8), Riyan Parag (15), and Shivam Dube (9) fell prey to Sri Lanka's spinners as India crumbled to 101-8. Washington Sundar contributed a fighting 30 off 25, but it was only a matter of time before the hosts sealed a memorable series win.
Avishka Fernando sets up Sri Lanka's challenging total
Batting first, Sri Lanka got off to a great start as Avishka and Pathum Nissanka (45 off 65) added 89 in 19.5 overs. Axar got the much-needed breakthrough for India as Nissanka top-edged a slog-sweep. Avishka and Kusal Mendis (59 off 82) then added 82 runs for the second wicket.
Avishka missed out on a well-deserved hundred as he was trapped lbw by debutant Riyan. India fought back well with the wickets of Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka (10), Sadeera Samarawickrama (0), Janith Liyanage (8) and Wellalage (2). However, Kusal held one end up, while Kamindu Mendis (23* off 19) chipped in with a crucial cameo at the end.
Who won Player of the Match in yesterday’s India vs Sri Lanka ODI?
Avishka set up Sri Lanka's win, hitting nine fours and two sixes in his 96. Kusal contributed a crucial fifty, while Wellalage stood out with his five-wicket haul.
For India, Riyan impressed with a three-fer on his ODI debut, while Rohit top-scored in the chase with 35.
Avishka was named Player of the Match for his 96, while Wellalage was picked as Player of the Series for scoring 108 runs and claiming seven wickets.