When was the last time Sri Lanka beat India in an ODI before Sunday?
Sri Lanka sealed a thrilling win over India in the second ODI of the ongoing series in Colombo on Sunday, August 4. Chasing 241, the Men in Blue were bundled out for 208. The result has ensured that Sri Lanka will not lose the three-match series, with just one game to go. The first ODI ended in a tie.
The last time India lost an ODI to Sri Lanka before this match was in 2021 during a bilateral series.
On Sunday, the Sri Lankan lower order once again came to the fore as the likes of Kamindu Mendis (40) and Dunith Wellalage (39) took Sri Lanka from 136/6 to 240/9 in their 50 overs.
India once again got off to a flying start, thanks to yet another half-century from captain Rohit Sharma. However, his wicket turned the game on its head as Jeffrey Vandersay notched up a sensational six-wicket haul to sink the visitors. The loss ended India's streak of 10 consecutive bilateral ODI series wins over Sri Lanka.
India last lost an ODI to Sri Lanka in 2021
The Men in Blue had last lost an ODI to Sri Lanka during their 2021 tour to the island nation. Having already sealed the series 2-0, the Indian team played the third ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. With the main team practicing in England for the Test series, the Men in Blue had sent a second-string side.
Prithvi Shaw (49), Sanju Samson (46), and Suryakumar Yadav (40) all got off to starts but neither could convert them into big scores. Key lower-order contributions from Rahul Chahar and Navdeep Saini helped the Men in Blue reach 225 before getting bundled out. Akila Dananjaya was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers with figures of 3/33.
In reply, Sri Lanka lost Minod Bhanuka early. However, Avishka Fernando and Bhanuka Rajapaksa got together for the second wicket and added 109 runs in their partnership. Rajapaksa's quickfire 65 off 56 balls gave Sri Lanka a great impetus.
Just when it seemed that Sri Lanka had a platform that would help them coast in the chase, Chetan Sakariya stepped up and broke the partnership by sending back Rajapaksa. He then effected a sharp caught-and-bowled to send back Dhananjaya de Silva.
India sensed an opening and Rahul Chahar began to get into the game. He dismissed Dasun Shanaka for a golden duck before getting Chamika Karunaratne stumped.
From 144/1, Sri Lanka was reduced to 5/195, as the game seemed to be in balance. India soon struck with the big wicket of Avishka Fernando for 76. However, Ramesh Mendis (15*) and the lower order hung around to take Sri Lanka home with three wickets to spare.
The Men in Blue will play the final ODI of the ongoing three-match series against Sri Lanka on Wednesday, August 7, and will need to win to avoid a series defeat.