(Credit ICC)
Sri Lanka delivered a commanding performance with their spin attack to decisively defeat India in the ODI series on their home turf. This victory marked Sri Lanka’s first ODI series win over India in 27 years, with their previous success dating back to 1997 under captain Arjuna Ranatunga.
Following Charith Asalanka’s team ending the long-awaited series drought, the International Cricket Council (ICC) took to Instagram to celebrate and congratulate Sri Lanka on their remarkable achievement.
On Instagram, the ICC posted two images: one featured Arjuna Ranatunga proudly displaying the trophy from Sri Lanka’s 3-0 series victory over Sachin Tendulkar’s team in 1997, while the other showed current ODI captain Charith Asalanka with the latest trophy at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, following their recent series win.
The ICC captioned the post, “The same feeling, 27 years apart.”
Following a disappointing 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, Sri Lanka faced India in a white-ball series, aiming to rebound from their earlier setbacks. Despite a 3-0 defeat in the T20I series, Sri Lanka made a strong comeback in the ODIs. Under Gautam Gambhir’s new leadership as head coach, India struggled with the bat on the demanding Colombo surface.
In the first ODI, Sri Lanka set a target of 231 runs, thanks to half-centuries from Prathum Nissanka and Dunith Wellalage. India began their chase positively with a brisk 58 from captain Rohit Sharma, but the middle order faltered, and the match ended in a tie.
In the second ODI, Sri Lanka batted first again and scored 240 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Rohit Sharma provided another solid start with a half-century, but the rest of the Indian batting lineup fell to Jeffrey Vandersay, who claimed six wickets. India was eventually dismissed for 208 runs.
In the third ODI, Sri Lankan bowlers appeared exceptionally formidable, restricting India to just 138 runs while chasing a target of 249. Dunith Wellalage was the standout performer, taking five wickets for just 27 runs in 5.1 overs.
This series victory is a significant confidence booster for Sri Lanka, especially after their underwhelming performance in the last ODI World Cup, where they secured only two wins and finished ninth.
