In a stunning display of spin prowess, Sri Lanka routed India by 110 runs in the third ODI in Colombo on Wednesday, clinching their first bilateral ODI series win over India since 1997. Chasing 249, India was skittled out for a dismal 138 in 26.1 overs, led by a five-wicket haul from Dunith Wellalage.
Sri Lanka set a competitive total, with Avishka Fernando scoring 96 and Kusal Mendis adding 59. Wellalage then dismantled the Indian batting lineup with 5 for 27. Despite a strong start from Rohit Sharma, who scored 35 off 20 balls, India’s innings fell apart after his dismissal.
Rohit’s sweep shot off Wellalage resulted in a catch behind, setting off a collapse. Virat Kohli fell lbw to Wellalage, Kusal Mendis stumped Rishabh Pant off Maheesh Theekshana, and Riyan Parag, making his debut, was bowled by Jeffrey Vandersay. Shreyas Iyer also fell lbw to Wellalage, contributing to a total of seven dismissals through lbw or bowled.
Sri Lanka’s spinners exploited the conditions at Premadasa, where the pitch offered considerable turn. Theekshana noted post-match that the Indian team’s struggle was expected due to their unfamiliarity with such conditions.
Fernando’s innings were pivotal, as he built key partnerships: 89 with Pathum Nissanka and 82 with Kusal Mendis. Despite a mid-innings collapse, Fernando’s aggressive play, including two sixes off Axar Patel, was crucial. He was eventually dismissed for 96, but Sri Lanka's late-order contributions ensured a robust total.
India’s bowlers, particularly Mohammed Siraj, struggled, allowing Fernando to capitalise on their wayward lines. Parag’s efforts were commendable, taking 3 for 54 and breaking key partnerships. Even so, Sri Lanka’s total proved beyond India’s reach as they fell short in their chase, leading to a series loss.