Sri Lanka Secures Historic ODI Series Win Against India with Dominant Performance
Led by Dunith Wellalage’s impressive five-wicket haul, Sri Lanka delivered a memorable performance to secure a 2-0 series victory against India in the ODI series. This marks their first series win over India since 1997.
In the third and final ODI, Sri Lanka showcased their dominance with the ball, defeating India comprehensively to complete the series win. The hosts produced extraordinary cricket, preventing the visitors from winning a single game. The first match ended in a tie after a strong comeback from India, but Sri Lanka’s spinners took control in the following games, claiming 27 out of the 30 Indian wickets that fell during the series.
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka expressed his delight with his team’s performance, particularly praising the spinners. “The biggest positive was winning a series against India after 27 years,” Asalanka said. “The other big positive was the spinners. We relied on Wanindu Hasaranga, but Jeffrey Vandersay and Dunith Wellalage played exceptionally well too.”
Sri Lanka spinners produce a stirring display to seal series win 💥#SLvIND 📝: https://t.co/GdDOldBmam pic.twitter.com/RO3zrrhbgE
— ICC (@ICC) August 7, 2024
Asalanka highlighted the team’s maturity and resilience, especially after being swept 3-0 in the T20I series against India. “As a team, we tried to create a good environment after talking to the coach. We give our players a lot of freedom to show their talent and don’t put much pressure on them. We identify their strengths and back them. Even if they fail, it’s not a problem. With that backing, we can compete against the best,” Asalanka added.
India’s captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged the team’s struggles against Sri Lanka’s spin attack and emphasized the need for better individual game plans. “I don’t think it’s a concern, but it’s something we need to look at seriously. We were definitely put under pressure throughout the series. We need to talk about it and come back with different plans,” Rohit said.
A memorable showing for Jeffrey Vandersay against India puts Sri Lanka on the verge of creating history! 🇱🇰
Read on ➡️ https://t.co/ApepOy0f8w pic.twitter.com/WZWLKw91qI
— ICC (@ICC) August 5, 2024
Despite the disappointing series loss, Rohit remains optimistic about the team’s future. “A series loss doesn’t mean the end of the world. These guys have been playing good cricket for the past few years. It’s important how we move on from this and how we can come back,” Rohit stated.
In the third ODI, Avishka Fernando led Sri Lanka’s charge with a 102-ball 96, and Kusal Mendis continued the momentum with a half-century. The hosts set the biggest target of the series, and India’s batting lineup struggled against the spin once again. Wellalage’s crucial wickets, including those of Virat Kohli, Axar Patel, and Shreyas Iyer, turned the game in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Sri Lanka spinners produce a stirring display to seal series win 💥#SLvIND 📝: https://t.co/GdDOldBmam pic.twitter.com/RO3zrrhbgE
— ICC (@ICC) August 7, 2024
Sri Lankan spinners played a pivotal role, with Jeffrey Vandersay, Wellalage, and Charith Asalanka topping the wickets chart. Vandersay recorded the best figures in the series with a six-wicket haul in the second ODI, while Wellalage’s five-wicket haul in the final game highlighted his potential.
Despite missing their star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga in the final two matches, Sri Lanka’s bowlers effectively controlled the middle overs, restricting the run flow and taking regular wickets. The Sri Lankan team will now head to England to play three ICC World Test Championship matches.
