On August 7, 2024, Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, made history by defeating Rohit Sharma’s India by 110 runs in the third ODI match at Colombo. This victory secured a 2-0 series win for Sri Lanka, marking their first bilateral ODI series triumph over India since 1997, as the first match had ended in a tie.
Chasing a target of 249 runs, India was bowled out for 138 in just 26.1 overs. Skipper Rohit Sharma managed to score 35 off 20 balls, and Washington Sundar contributed 30 off 25 deliveries. No other Indian batter could cross the 20-run mark, including the renowned Virat Kohli.
For Sri Lanka, Dunith Wellalage was the star bowler, picking up 5 wickets. Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay each took 2 wickets, while Asitha Fernando clinched one.
Wellalage’s performance was particularly notable as he became the first spinner to take five wickets in an ODI against India on more than one occasion, with figures of 5/40 in 2023 and 5/27 in 2024, both in Colombo.
Asitha Fernando was named the player of the match, while Dunith Wellalage earned the player of the series award. A staggering statistic from the series is that India lost 27 wickets to spin, the most by any team in a bilateral ODI series.
Despite Sri Lanka’s triumph, they played with six injured players who could not participate in the series.
In the third ODI at Colombo, Sri Lanka posted a total of 248 for 7 wickets in 50 overs. Avishka Fernando top-scored with 96 off 102 balls, supported by Kusal Mendis (59) and Pathum Nissanka (45).
For India, Riyan Parag made an impressive debut, taking three wickets. Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav each took one wicket.
Sri Lanka cricket team captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and decided to bat. Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando provided a solid start, scoring 41 runs in the first 10 overs and setting the foundation for a competitive total.
Rohit Sharma’s team aimed to avoid losing the series in this decisive match at the R Premadasa Stadium. However, they struggled against the Sri Lankan bowlers and ultimately fell short.
Questions were raised about Virat Kohli’s performance, as he scored only 38 runs in the series.
Playing XI:
India:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shivam Dube
- Shreyas Iyer
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
- Riyan Parag
- Axar Patel
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
Sri Lanka:
- Pathum Nissanka
- Avishka Fernando
- Kusal Mendis (WK)
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Charith Asalanka (C)
- Janith Liyanage
- Dunith Wellalage
- Kamindu Mendis
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Jeffrey Vandersay
- Asitha Fernando
This series marks a significant achievement for Sri Lanka, ending a 27-year wait for a bilateral ODI series win against India.
