COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – Sri Lanka, after a 27-year wait, triumphed over India’s One Day International team in a bilateral series under the new captaincy of Charith Asalanka and the guidance of new coach Sanath Jayasuriya. Sri Lanka secured a decisive 110-run victory in the final ODI of the three-match series at R. Premadasa Stadium, claiming a 2-0 series win.
This significant victory marks Sri Lanka’s first bilateral ODI series win against India since 1997, when they swept India 3-0 in Sri Lanka under the leadership of 1996 World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga. That team included cricket greats like Jayasuriya himself, Marvan Atapattu, Roshan Mahanama, Aravinda de Silva, current fielding coach Upul Chandana, and Muttiah Muralitharan and etc.
Winning the toss for the third consecutive time, Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka chose to bat first on a difficult and sluggish pitch at Premadasa Stadium, where batting under lights can be a nightmare for batsmen. Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 248/7 in their 50 overs, thanks to a solid 96-run opening partnership between Avishka Fernando and the ever-reliable Pathum Nissanka. Fernando played a remarkable innings, falling just four runs short of a well-deserved century, dismissed lbw by debutant spinner Riyan Parag.
Understanding the pitch’s behavior, Sri Lanka batted with clear intent, aiming for a total around 250 under the mentorship of coach Sanath Jayasuriya. Although they fell two runs short of their target, their total proved sufficient.
The series win comes nearly three decades after their last victory over their rivals. Avishka Fernando, with his splendid innings, was adjudged Player of the Match. At the presentation ceremony, he expressed his disappointment at missing the century but was thrilled with the series win.
Young spinning all-rounder and left-handed batsman Dunith Wellalage, 21, delivered an excellent performance, capturing five wickets for 27 runs, including key dismissals of star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged the pressure his team faced throughout the series, admitting that Sri Lanka played better cricket. He noted that while India didn’t perform well overall, there were some positives, particularly the performance of their spinners.
Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka credited their spin bowling strength and hinted at the significant changes introduced by coach Sanath Jayasuriya that transformed the team’s cricketing environment.
This series win is a milestone for Sri Lanka, reviving memories of their golden era and setting a new course under the dynamic leadership of Asalanka and coach cum mentor Jayasuriya.
