Sri Lanka Stuns India with a Historic 110-Run Victory in Third ODI

Sri Lanka Stuns India:

In a cricketing spectacle that has captured the attention of fans worldwide, Sri Lanka has achieved a remarkable milestone by defeating India by 110 runs in the third ODI of their series. This victory not only secured the match but also ensured that Sri Lanka clinched the ODI series against India—a feat they hadn’t accomplished in 27 years. The last time Sri Lanka won an ODI series against India was back in 1997. This victory marks a significant moment in Sri Lankan cricket history, as they rise to the occasion and demonstrate their prowess on the field.

Spin Wizardry and Batting Prowess Shine

The third ODI, held on August 7, 2024, saw Sri Lanka deliver an outstanding performance in both batting and bowling. Sri Lanka’s success was built on the back of an extraordinary all-round display by their players. The standout performer of the match was Dunith Vellalaage, who played a pivotal role in both aspects of the game. Despite contributing only 2 runs with the bat, Vellalaage was a game-changer with the ball, claiming 5 wickets for just 27 runs. His remarkable performance earned him the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.

Avishka Fernando also made headlines with his impressive innings. After struggling in the first two ODIs, Fernando bounced back with a spectacular knock of 96 runs. His innings included a crucial 89-run partnership with Pathum Nissanka and an 82-run stand with Kusal Mendis. This solid foundation set Sri Lanka up for a formidable total.

Kusal Mendis: The Backbone of Sri Lankan Middle Order

Kusal Mendis, the former  ODI captain, played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings. His 59 runs, including a well-crafted fifty, were instrumental in pushing the team’s total to 248. Mendis’s partnership with Fernando ensured that the team had a substantial total to defend, and his contributions were vital in the context of the match.

Jeffrey Vandersay and Riyan Parag: Key Contributors

Jeffrey Vandersay, who had already made headlines with a 6-wicket haul in the second ODI, continued his fine form in the third match. He picked up 2 key wickets, dismissing Riyan Parag and Shivam Dubey. These wickets were crucial as they stifled India’s progress and provided Sri Lanka with the upper hand.

On the other side, Riyan Parag, making his debut for India, showed resilience with the ball. He claimed 3 wickets, including that of set batsman Avishka Fernando. Parag’s efforts were notable, but they were not enough to halt Sri Lanka’s momentum.

The Turning Point: Dominant Start

The turning point of the match was Sri Lankans dominant performance in the first innings. Opting to bat after winning the toss, Sri Lankans top three batsmen—Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, and Kusal Mendis—laid a solid foundation. By the 35th over, Sri Lankans had scored 171 runs for just 2 wickets. The aggressive and steady approach from the top order allowed Sri Lanka to amass a total of 248 runs, a score that proved too challenging for the Indian team.

India’s Struggles:

In stark contrast, India’s innings was marred by poor batting and excessive experimentation. The team had a disastrous start, losing 3 wickets in the first powerplay. The collapse continued as India lost 7 wickets for just 100 runs. Eventually, India was bowled out for a mere 128 runs in just 26.1 overs. The spinners exploited the conditions effectively, dismissing the Indian batsmen with relative ease.

The match ended securing a 110-run victory, thereby winning the series 2-0. This defeat marks India’s first series loss under the leadership of coach Gautam Gambhir. India had previously triumphed 3-0 in the T20 series against Sri Lanka, but the ODI series proved to be a different challenge.

Conclusion: A Historic Series Win

The triumph over India in the ODI series is a landmark achievement, ending a 27-year wait for an ODI series win against their formidable opponents. With standout performances from players like Dunith Vellalaage and Avishka Fernando, the team has showcased their cricketing skills on the global stage. The series also highlights areas for improvement for Team India, particularly in their batting and strategic approach.

As cricket fans around the world celebrate the team’s historic victory, the series serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the game. With both teams now turning their attention to future contests, the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in this exciting rivalry.

Image Courtesy: Official Instagram Of Sri Lanka Cricket

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