Sri Lanka clinch ODI series 2-0, beat India by 110 runs in third ODI

COLOMBO: After a long wait of 27 years, Sri Lanka has managed to clinch an ODI series against India (2-). Sri Lanka beat the mighty Indian team by 110 runs in the third match held at Colombo. While the first match ended in a tie, the hosts went on to win the remaining two matches of the series. Chasing a target of 249 runs in the third match, India was bundled out for just 138 runs in 26.1 overs.

Score: Sri Lanka 248-7 (50), India 138-10 (26.1)

Chasing 249 runs, only four batsmen crossed the double-digit figure in the Indian line-up. As usual, skipper Rohit Sharma gave the side a good start. Rohit was the top scorer with 35 runs off 20 balls including six fours and a six. Star batter Virat Kohli 20(18) was caught in front of the wicket for the third time in the series. Vice-captain Shubman Gill 6(14), wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant 6(9), Shreyas Iyer 8(7), Axar Patel 2(7) and Shivam Dube 9(14) were dismissed cheaply.

Left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage, who took five wickets, was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers. He took five wickets conceding just 27 runs in 5.1 overs. Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay took two wickets each, while pacer Asitha Fernando took one wicket.

Sri Lanka had a stupendous start to the game, the hosts dominated the game from the very first moment of the game. Sri Lanka openers Pathum Nissanka (45 runs from 65 balls, 5 fours and 2 sixes) and Avishka Fernando (96 runs from 102 balls, 9 fours and 2 sixes) gave the hosts an attack start as they made a partnership of 89 runs. After the dismissal of Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (59 runs from 82 balls, 4 fours) took the charge of adding runs on the scoreboard.

Fernando was unlucky to miss out on his century by just four runs. Riyan Parag picked up an important after he removed the Sri Lanka opener in the 36th over. No other batters from the hosts could shine in the first inning. In the death, other Kamindu Mendis (23 runs from 19 balls, 1 six) added a few runs and powered Sri Lanka to 248/7. Riyan Parag led the Indian bowling attack after he bagged three wickets and gave 54 runs in his nine-over spell.

Avishka Fernando was named the 'Player of the Match' after he played a 96-run knock in the first inning.