By After a crushing 3-0 defeat in the T20I series, Sri Lanka staged a stunning comeback on Wednesday, winning the final ODI against India by 110 runs and securing their first bilateral series victory over India in 27 years.
Despite being hampered by injuries to key fast bowlers, Sri Lanka’s spinners, especially Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Charith Asalanka, delivered outstanding performances. The bowlers skittled India out in just 26.1 overs during the final ODI, sealing a 2-0 series win at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The ODI series began with a thrilling tie in the first match, followed by a hard-fought 32-run victory for Sri Lanka in the second ODI. India faced an uphill battle throughout the series, losing all three tosses and being forced to chase each time. Their initial decision not to include enough spinners backfired, and even with four spinners in the final ODI, Sri Lanka claimed their most decisive win of the series.
This victory is particularly significant for Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka and Interim Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya, both leading the team for the first time. Young all-rounder Dunith Wellalage played a pivotal role, delivering a match-winning spell in the final game with five key wickets.
Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who replaced the injured Hasaranga in the second ODI, was crucial in that victory with six wickets and added two more in the final match.
Asalanka’s decision to bat first after winning the toss in the third ODI paid off. Opener Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis hit crucial half-centuries, helping Sri Lanka to post a total of 248-7 on a challenging pitch. Fernando scored 96, forging significant partnerships, including an 89-run stand with Pathum Nissanka, who made 45.
India, captained by Rohit Sharma, required 249 to salvage the series but crumbled under pressure. Sri Lankan bowlers Asitha Fernando and Wellalage removed Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill early. Wellalage and Mahesh Theekshana then dismantled the middle and lower order, with Wellalage trapping Kuldeep Yadav lbw for the final wicket, securing a historic 110-run triumph.
Sri Lankan spinners dominated, taking 27 wickets across the series—the most by any team against India in a bilateral ODI series. This series also set a record for the most wickets to fall to spin in a three-match bilateral series, with 43 wickets in total.
Avishka Fernando was named Player of the Match, while Dunith Wellalage earned Player of the Series honors. Wellalage credited his captain, teammates, and coaching staff, noting their strategic adjustments to the turning wickets.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged Sri Lanka’s superior performance and emphasized the need for his team to improve in challenging conditions. Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka praised his team’s resilience and highlighted the positive atmosphere fostered by their coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, and the successful implementation of strategic changes.
