India's batting collapse against Sri Lankan spinners, led by Dunith Wellalage's five-wicket haul, resulted in a 110-run defeat, as Sri Lanka secured their first bilateral ODI series win over India since 1997.
New Delhi: India’s batting lineup faltered under the spin of Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly Dunith Wellalage, who claimed five wickets, leading to a dismal 110-run loss in the third and final ODI on Wednesday. With this defeat, Sri Lanka clinched the three-match series 2-0, marking their first bilateral ODI series win over India since 1997, following a tie in the series opener.
In their chase of a challenging 249 on a difficult pitch at Premadasa, India was dismissed for a dismal 138 in just 26.1 overs. The loss by 110 runs highlighted significant concerns for new head coach Gautam Gambhir as he begins his tenure. Left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage, who had earlier contributed with the bat, dismantled the Indian lineup with figures of 5 for 27. This came after opener Avishka Fernando’s well-crafted 96 had helped Sri Lanka post a total of 248 for 7.
India’s chase of 249 started promisingly with Rohit Sharma’s aggressive 35 off 20 balls, including an explosive 18-run over off Maheesh Theekshana. Despite Shubman Gill’s early exit, Rohit’s attack featured a series of boundaries in the fourth over. However, Rohit’s penchant for the sweep led to his downfall, with his attempt off Dunith Wellalage being caught by Kusal Mendis.
Following Rohit’s departure, the Indian batting lineup faltered. Virat Kohli (20) misjudged a delivery from Wellalage and was adjudged leg before wicket, while Rishabh Pant, in his first ODI since a serious car accident, was stumped by Kusal after being beaten by Theekshana. Riyan Parag, making his debut, was bowled by leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay without offering a shot. Shreyas Iyer also fell leg before to Wellalage, leaving India in disarray with seven dismissals via lbw or clean bowled.
Maheesh Theekshana’s post-match comments highlighted the challenge of playing on the large, turning Premadasa pitch, contrasting with the smaller, flatter wickets Indian batters are accustomed to.
Sri Lanka had previously capitalized on the conditions with solid performances from opener Avishka Fernando (96 off 102 balls) and Kusal Mendis (59 off 82 balls). Despite a strong spell from Parag (3/54) and some assistance from Kuldeep Yadav (1/36), the Indian bowlers struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batsmen.
Fernando anchored the innings with two crucial partnerships: 89 with Pathum Nissanka (45 off 65 balls) and 82 with Kusal. Nissanka’s aggressive play, including two sixes off Axar Patel, was curtailed when he was dismissed by a wide delivery from Axar.
Fernando’s aggressive play also exploited Mohammed Siraj’s erratic bowling, hitting two sixes off him. Despite being close to his fourth ODI century, Fernando was eventually dismissed by a skidding leg-break from Parag. At 171 for two in the 36th over, Sri Lanka was well-positioned to set a target nearing 280.
Parag then dismissed skipper Charith Asalanka (10) leg before and also took out Wellalage (2), halting Sri Lanka’s late-order push. However, Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis combined for 36 runs for the seventh wicket, further extending Sri Lanka’s lead and putting the match beyond India’s grasp.
