Last Updated on 1 year by Charbel Coorey
SL vs IND 3rd ODI reactions: Sri Lanka have beaten India in a bilateral ODI series for the first time since August 1997. They sealed a 2-0 win in the third match at the R Premadasa Stadium (RPS) in Colombo courtesy of a strong performance from the top order and dominant display once again from the spinners.
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted 248/7, similar totals to the 230 and 240 they managed in the opening two ODIs. However, this time, they didn’t endure a top order collapse. By the 36th over, the hosts were beautifully placed at 171/1, with player of the match Avishka Fernando (96) nearing a century.
His wicket, LBW to debutant Riyan Parag, sparked a collapse. The Lions lost their next five wickets for 28 runs to give India a foothold in the game. However, the amount of turn and deliveries staying low would have kept India very nervous given what happened in the series previously.
In response, Rohit Sharma again provided a quick start for India. He was hell-bent on knocking off as much of the total as possible while the two new balls were skidding on better. However, his dismissal once again triggered a familiar collapse in this series. India’s middle order, remarkably, looked all at sea against spin – the discipline one would expect these batters to excel in.
India were bundled out for 138 in just 26.1 overs, with player of the series Dunith Wellalage starring with 5/27.
SL vs IND 3rd ODI Reactions: Sri Lankans jubilant, India fans at a loss to describe deficiencies against spin
Sri Lanka were praised for their wonderful display. especially with so many players unavailable. India, on the other hand, came in for criticism. The batters were in the spotlight for how they played spin, while Gautam Ghambir’s tactics as coach, including leaving KL Rahul out, also came for attention.
As Wasim Jaffer mentioned in his post, India has just three more ODIs to play before next year’s Champions Trophy (CT). The way they played spin in this series is cause of concern, especially given they could be playing their CT games in Sri Lanka.
Next up for India are two Tests and three T20Is against Bangladesh at home in September and October. Sri Lanka will now travel to England for three Tests, with the first to begin on 21 August in Manchester.
