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In a remarkable display of cricket, Sri Lanka secured a resounding 110-run victory over India in the third ODI, sealing their first bilateral series win against India in 27 years. This match, held at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, was a testament to Sri Lanka’s growing prowess and marked a significant milestone in their cricketing history.
### Match Overview odi
#### Sri Lanka’s Innings
Sri Lanka opted to bat first after winning the toss, a decision that proved to be fruitful. Their innings was anchored by a splendid knock from Avishka Fernando, who scored 96 runs off 102 balls. His innings was characterized by a blend of aggression and composure, odi ensuring Sri Lanka built a competitive total. Fernando found support from Kusal Mendis, who contributed 59 runs, and Pathum Nissanka, who added 45 runs to the total【6†source】【7†source】.
Sri Lanka’s batsmen managed to navigate through India’s bowling attack with a mix of caution and calculated risk-taking. Riyan Parag, making his debut for India, was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets. The other Indian bowlers, including Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav, each took one wicket but failed to significantly dent the Sri Lankan batting momentum【7†source】【8†source】.
#### India’s Bowling Performance
India’s bowling effort, while disciplined in parts, lacked odi the penetration needed to consistently trouble the Sri Lankan batsmen. Parag’s three-wicket haul was a highlight, as he managed to extract some assistance from the pitch. However, the lack of substantial support from the other bowlers meant that Sri Lanka could post a challenging total of 248 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs【7†source】.
### India’s Response
India’s chase got off to a shaky start, and they never really recovered. The top order, featuring stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, failed to build any significant partnerships. Kohli, in particular, has been under scrutiny throughout the series for his lack of runs, and this match was no different as he failed to contribute substantially【6†source】.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers were relentless, with Maheesh odi Theekshana and Charith Asalanka leading the charge. Theekshana’s ability to turn the ball and Asalanka’s disciplined line and length proved too much for the Indian batsmen. India was eventually bowled out for a meager 138 runs in just 26 overs, well short of the target【7†source】【8†source】.
#### Key Performances
1. **Avishka Fernando**: His 96 runs were pivotal in setting up Sri Lanka’s total.
2. **Kusal Mendis**: Scored a crucial 59 runs, providing odi stability and anchoring the middle overs.
3. **Riyan Parag**: On debut, he was India’s standout bowler with three wickets, showcasing his potential at the international level.
4. **Maheesh Theekshana and Charith Asalanka**: Their effective bowling spells dismantled India’s batting line-up, securing the win for Sri Lanka【6†source】【7†source】.
### Analysis
This series win is a landmark achievement for Sri Lanka, odi highlighting their resurgence in international cricket. The team exhibited a blend of youth and experience, with emerging players stepping up alongside established stars. The victory will undoubtedly boost their confidence and morale, providing a strong foundation for future competitions.
For India, the series loss raises several questions. The team’s batting fragility, especially in the top order, and the inability to build partnerships under pressure were glaring issues. Kohli’s form is a significant concern, and the team management will need to address this ahead of their next series. Additionally, the bowling unit, despite moments of brilliance, lacked the consistency required to dominate the opposition【7†source】【8†source】.
### Historical Context
This series win is Sri Lanka’s first against India since 1997, ending a 27-year drought. The victory is even more significant considering the historical dominance India has had over Sri Lanka in ODIs. The series has seen a resurgence in Sri Lankan cricket, reminiscent of their golden era in the late 90s and early 2000s. The ability to outplay India in all departments of the game in this series is a testament to their progress【6†source】【7†source】.
### Looking Ahead
Sri Lanka will aim to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures. The young talents, having gained valuable experience and confidence, will be crucial to their plans moving forward. For India, this series serves as a wake-up call. The team will need to reassess their strategies, work on their weaknesses, and come back stronger. The management might consider shuffling the batting order, providing opportunities to emerging players, and focusing on building a more cohesive unit【7†source】【8†source】.
### Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s 110-run victory over India in the 3rd ODI is a landmark event, not just for the immediate triumph but for its potential long-term impact on Sri Lankan cricket. This historic series win showcases their potential and marks a significant step in their journey back to the top tiers of international cricket. India’s loss, while disappointing, provides an opportunity for reflection and improvement, essential for their growth and success in future competitions【6†source】【7†source】【8†source】.
