On August 7, 2024, at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka achieved a remarkable triumph against India in the third ODI, securing a magnificent victory by a margin of 110 runs. This win marked a significant achievement for Sri Lanka, ending a 27-year wait for a bilateral series victory against India.
The match was characterized by stellar performances from Sri Lankan players, particularly Avishka Fernando and Dunith Wellalage, who played crucial roles in securing this historic triumph.
Match Overview
During the final ODI match of the series, Sri Lanka, having won the toss, opted to bat first, establishing a target score of 249 runs for India to pursue. Avishka Fernando’s remarkable 96 runs off 102 balls and Kusal Mendis’s steady 59 runs off 82 balls were pivotal in building a competitive total.
Despite a strong start from Indian captain Rohit Sharma, the Indian batting lineup faltered, with Dunith Wellalage’s impressive five-wicket haul sealing the victory for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s Innings
Sri Lanka’s batting lineup began their innings with a strong opening partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando, setting the foundation for a competitive total. Nissanka contributed a valuable 45 runs off 65 balls before being dismissed by Axar Patel.
Conversely, Fernando showcased his prowess with a brilliant knock of 96 runs, narrowly missing out on a century. His innings included nine fours and two sixes, providing a robust foundation for Sri Lanka.
Kusal Mendis played a crucial supporting role, scoring 59 runs off 82 balls. Fernando’s partnership with him played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Sri Lanka managed to post a respectable total of 248/7 in their 50 overs, thanks to contributions from the lower order, including Kamindu Mendis’s unbeaten 23 runs off 19 balls.
India’s Bowling Performance
India’s bowlers had a mixed outing, with Riyan Parag standing out with figures of 3/54 in his 9 overs.Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav each managed to take a wicket, but the overall bowling performance was insufficient to limit Sri Lanka to a lower total. Mohammed Siraj, despite his efforts, proved to be expensive, conceding 78 runs in his 9 overs.
India’s Innings
Seeking 249, India made a rapid start, led by skipper Rohit Sharma, who smashed a brisk 35 runs off just 20 deliveries. However, the Indian innings soon crumbled under the pressure of Sri Lanka’s spin attack. Shubman Gill was the first to fall, bowled by Asitha Fernando for 6 runs. Dunith Wellalage then wreaked havoc, dismissing Virat Kohli (20), Shreyas Iyer (8), and Axar Patel (2) in quick succession.
India’s middle and lower order failed to provide any substantial resistance. Riyan Parag’s 15 and Washington Sundar’s 30 were the only notable contributions as India was bundled out for 138 in just 26.1 overs. Wellalage’s exceptional bowling performance, resulting in figures of 5/27, played a crucial role in dismantling the Indian batting lineup.
Key Performances
- Avishka Fernando: Player of the Match for his impressive 96 runs off 102 balls, setting a strong foundation for Sri Lanka.
- Dunith Wellalage: Player of the Series for his all-round performance, including a five-wicket haul in the final match and a total of 7 wickets in the series.
- Kusal Mendis: Contributed significantly with 59 runs, providing stability in the middle order.
Post-Match Reactions
Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka expressed his delight at the series win, praising his team for their excellent performance throughout the series. He highlighted the crucial role played by the spinners in securing this victory against a strong Indian batting lineup.
Asalanka stated,
“This win is a testament to our hard work and determination. Our spinners were exceptional, and the team played brilliantly as a unit.”
Indian captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged the challenges faced by his team, particularly against spin. He emphasized the need for individual players to adapt and develop better strategies in future matches. Despite the loss, Sharma pointed out some positives, including the performances of the spinners and certain middle-order batters.
Sharma commented,
“We need to rethink our approach against spin. Sri Lanka played exceptionally well, and they deserved this win. Our focus will now be on improving our performance in the upcoming series.”
Historical Context
This victory is particularly significant for Sri Lanka as it marks their first bilateral series win against India since 1997. Over the years, Sri Lanka has struggled to consistently compete against India, making this win a momentous occasion.
The last time Sri Lanka achieved a series win against India, the cricketing landscape was vastly different, with legends like Aravinda de Silva and Sanath Jayasuriya leading the team. This victory serves as a reminder of Sri Lanka’s potential to rise again in the cricketing world.
Fan Reactions
The victory sparked celebrations across Sri Lanka, with fans taking to social media to express their joy and pride. The hashtag #SLvIND trended on Twitter, with fans praising the team’s performance and the individual brilliance of players like Avishka Fernando and Dunith Wellalage. The streets of Colombo saw spontaneous celebrations, with fans waving flags and chanting slogans in support of their team.
Player Statistics
- Avishka Fernando: 96 runs off 102 balls, 9 fours, 2 sixes.
- Kusal Mendis accumulated 59 runs while facing 82 deliveries, including four boundaries.
- Dunith Wellalage: 5 wickets for 27 runs in 6.1 overs.
- Riyan Parag: 3 wickets for 54 runs in 9 overs.
Looking Ahead
Sri Lanka will look to build on this success as they prepare for the upcoming series. The team’s performance against India will boost their confidence, and they will aim to maintain this momentum. For India, the series loss serves as a wake-up call, and they will need to address their weaknesses, particularly against spin, as they prepare for future challenges.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s comprehensive victory over India in the third ODI not only sealed the series but also marked a significant milestone in Sri Lankan cricket history. The dominant performance by the Sri Lankan spinners and key contributions from their batsmen showcased a well-rounded team effort.
This series win will undoubtedly boost the confidence of the Sri Lankan team as they look forward to future challenges. For India, the defeat serves as a reminder of the areas needing improvement, particularly in handling spin, as they regroup and prepare for the upcoming series.
Sri Lanka’s historic series win against India is a testament to their skill and determination. The team’s ability to capitalize on home conditions and the exceptional performance of their spinners were key factors in their success. This series will be remembered as a turning point for Sri Lankan cricket and a significant achievement in their cricketing history.
Q1: What was the result of the 3rd ODI between Sri Lanka and India at Colombo?
A: Sri Lanka beat India by 110 runs in the 3rd ODI at Colombo.
Q2: Who were the standout performers in the match?
A: Avishka Fernando and Dunith Wellalage were the standout performers. Fernando scored 96 runs, and Wellalage took 5 wickets for 27 runs.
Q3: What was the significance of this victory for Sri Lanka?
A: This victory marked Sri Lanka’s first bilateral series win against India since 1997, ending a 27-year wait.
Q5: What did the Sri Lankan captain say about the victory?
A: Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka praised his team for their excellent performance and highlighted the crucial role played by the spinners in securing the victory.
Q7: How did Indian captain Rohit Sharma react to the loss?
A: Rohit Sharma acknowledged the challenges faced by his team, particularly against spin, and emphasized the need for better strategies in future matches.
