“It’s Sri Lanka 2.0 under SJ” - Fans react as Sri Lanka beat India in a bilateral ODI series after 27 years
Sri Lanka scripted history as they defeated India in the final game of the three-match ODI series to win it 2-0 on Wednesday, August 7. This was the Island Nation’s first win over the Men in Blue in a bilateral ODI series in 27 years.
Charith Asalanka won the toss and opted to bat first. Avishka Fernando (96) and Kusal Mendis (59) led the way for the hosts as they put up 248 runs on the board. In reply, Indian captain Rohit Sharma played a decent hand of 35 off 20 balls, hitting six boundaries and one maximum. However, once the Sri Lankan bowler dismissed the visitors’ captain, the Indian middle order collapsed.
Sri Lankan bowlers were all over the Men in Blue as India got bowled out on 138, losing the match by 110 runs. For the hosts, Dunith Wellalage took five wickets; the all-rounder also won the Player of the Series award.
As Sri Lankans created history by winning the series, here’s how fans reacted to it:
"We all waiting for team India 2.0 under GG but actually it’s Sri Lanka 2.0 under SJ."
"Sri Lanka coming in their old form of 2011," a fan said.
"SL Cricket is on revival," wrote another.
"Congratulations Sri Lanka. You deserve to win," a fan added.
Avishka Fernando was given the Player of the Match award for his knock of 96.
"Spin was our strength and we backed it” - Charith Asalanka reacts as Sri Lanka registers a historic win
The Sri Lankan captain was pleased with the way his team performed in the series. Charith Asalanka asserted that spin was their strength, and the team did all the things brilliantly in the series.
At the post-match presentation, he said:
"I am a happy captain right now. The team did all things right throughout the series. We all knew they are a strong batting line up and we wanted to back our strength, spin was our strength and we backed it. They are in a good mood right now and our coach (Sanath Jayasuriya) is very active. The boys really enjoyed the team environment."
Sri Lanka will next be seen in action against England in a three-match Test series, starting August 21.