Avishka Fernando’s stellar 96 guides Sri Lanka to a memorable victory, backed by Wellalage’s five-star performance, halting India’s spin struggle.
The Sri Lankan team emerged victorious in a historic triumph over India in the third and final ODI, breaking a 27-year pattern. Avishka Fernando shone brightly with a remarkable knock of 96 runs, setting the stage for a total of 248 for 7. Despite a slight setback with a quick loss of wickets, Sri Lanka’s innings remained steady.
The Indian team, on the other hand, struggled notably against spin bowling throughout the series, culminating in a heavy defeat by 110 runs.Dunith Wellalage’s sensational five-wicket haul for just 27 runs further solidified Sri Lanka’s dominance. The Indian batting order faltered against Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly struggling against spin, as highlighted by Wellalage’s outstanding performance. With only a few players managing to reach double-digit scores, India failed to mount a significant challenge.
Avishka’s masterful innings, capitalizing on the seamers’ opportunities, was pivotal in Sri Lanka’s success. His partnerships with Nissanka and Mendis played a crucial role in building a competitive total. While India’s bowlers faced challenges, with Siraj in particular struggling, Sri Lanka effectively utilized the conditions to their advantage.Parag, with a memorable debut, showcased his potential with crucial wickets.
Sri Lanka, despite a mid-innings stumble, managed to post a defendable total thanks to Mendis’s late flourish. The match highlighted Sri Lanka’s strengths in spin bowling and India’s struggles against it, ultimately leading to a well-deserved victory for the home team.