3rd ODI: Sri Lanka record first ODI win at home against India since 2012

Sri Lanka have finally managed to record their first win in the ODI format of the game at home against India since 2012. The hosts emerged victorious by a margin of three wickets in a game that was affected massively by rain. The final ODI of the three-match series was reduced to 47 overs per side due to rain. India seemed capable enough of posting a total close to 300 at that point. However, the game was suspended for well over an hour as the groundsmen worked hard to get the match resumed.

Indian innings loses momentum after rain halts play

Suryakumar Yadav and Manish Pandey were the two batsmen who resumed the innings. Suryakumar in particular was in good form. However, both he and Pandey departed soon after with wickets tumbling at a rapid pace. The Indian innings reduced to 195/8 from the earlier score of 118/3, before being eventually bowled out for 225.

Opener Prithvi Shaw was the top run-getter, accumulating 49 runs from as many deliveries in an innings comprising of eight boundaries. Sanju Samson was the second-highest run-scorer, accounting for 46 runs with five fours and a six to his credit. Akila Dananjaya and Praveen Jayawickrama were the pick of the bowlers, picking three wickets apiece. The Indian team did not field their strongest XI, with the Men in Blue handing debuts to five players in a game of the ODI format, for the first time in 40 years. Rahul Chahar, K Gowtham, Nitish Rana, Chetan Sakariya and Sanju Samson were the debutants. The last instance of the Indian men’s team playing five or more debutants was back in an encounter against Australia in 1980. Dilip Doshi, Kirti Azad, Roger Binny, Sandeep Patil, T Srinivasan were the five players.

Avishka Fernando leads the charge for Sri Lanka

Opener Avishka Fernando was the highest run-scorer during the chase of 226, accumulating 76 runs off 98 deliveries. The tally was recorded on the back of four boundaries and a six. Bhanuka Rajapaksa provided valuable support, scoring 65 runs off 56 balls with 12 fours to his credit. Sri Lanka were in control of the chase all along unlike the visitors, with Rahul Chahar adding an edge to the contest later on with a flurry of late dismissals. Rahul accounted for the dismissals of Fernando, captain Dasun Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne to breathe life in the contest. However, the scoreline was too small to provide much scope for a comeback. Sakariya was the other valuable contributor with the ball, accounting for two dismissals.

India might have been defeated in the final ODI of the three-match series. However, they have won the series 2-1 on the back of fine wins in the opening two matches. Yadav was named as the Man of the Series, having made his presence felt on the back of fine performances in recent times.