Last Updated on 4 months by Charbel Coorey
Sri Lanka won their first ODI series against India since 1997. They pulled off a 2-0 series win after a thrilling tie at the R Premadasa Stadium (RPS) in Colombo.
In both the first two games, Sri Lanka found themselves in trouble. They lost their first six wickets for 142 and 136 respectively, before their lower order, led especially by the talented Dunith Wellalage, fought back.
Their spinners then put a stronghold on the Indian batting lineup on slow surfaces, with Jeffrey Vandersay, an injury replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga, producing his best performance of his career, taking 6/33 in the second ODI. The efforts of their spinners have been much-needed given they have five frontline fast bowlers unavailable.
Sri Lanka seal first ODI series win over India since August 1997
It is quite remarkable to think that Sri Lanka had not beaten India in an ODI series for 27 years when you consider the great teams they have had. Sri Lanka won the three-match series 3-0 in August 1997, with Aravinda de Silva (212), Mohammad Azharuddin (211) and Sanath Jayasuriya (210) the top three run-scorers.
Abey Kuruvilla (6), Sanath Jayasuriya (5) and Upul Chandana (4) were the top three wicket-takers.
Since Sri Lanka’s last win, India won 11 bilateral series with two others drawn. The visitors were also strong favourites to win the 2024 series after sweeping the T20Is 3-0 and then welcoming back regulars including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Kuldeep Yadav and KL Rahul.
This win for the Lions is sweet given the troubles they had against India last year. They were rolled for 50 in the Asia Cup Final, soon before they were blown away for 55 in the Cricket World Cup.
“We didn’t play good cricket, that’s why we lost the game,” Rohit Sharma said in the presentation after the second match. “We do understand the nature of this surface and the nature of how the game is going to go as well. It gets really, really tough in the middle overs. So you have to try and capitalize in the powerplay and get as many runs as possible.”
