Despite Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's presence, Team India's spin vulnerability exposed by record stat

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Aug 7, 2024, 22:50 IST

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Sri Lanka secured a historic 110-run win over India in the third ODI in Colombo, clinching the series 2-0 and marking their first bilateral ODI series victory over India in 27 years. The Indian batting lineup struggled against Sri Lankan spinners throughout the series, losing a record 27 wickets to spin. Avishka Fernando's 96 and Dunith Wellalage's five-wicket haul led Sri Lanka to a total of 248/7, while India's chase collapsed at 138, despite Rohit Sharma's 35.

Despite Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's presence, Team India's spin vulnerability exposed by record stat

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (AFP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka secured a historic 110-run victory over India in the third ODI at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, to clinch the series 2-0 on Wednesday. This win marked Sri Lanka's first bilateral ODI series triumph over India in 27 years.
Not only that, the Indian batting lineup also struggled immensely against Sri Lankan spinners throughout the three-match ODI series, losing a record 27 wickets to spin across the three-match series, the most by any team in a bilateral ODI series (maximum three matches).
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Sri Lanka's openers set a strong foundation. Pathum Nissanka scored 45 runs, while Avishka Fernando's 96 off 102 balls anchored the innings.
Fernando, alongside Kusal Mendis, who added 59 runs, helped Sri Lanka post a competitive total of 248/7. Although Fernando narrowly missed out on a century, his knock earned him the 'Player of the Match' award. Riyan Parag led the Indian bowling effort, taking three wickets for 54 runs.

India's chase faltered early, with skipper Rohit Sharma's quickfire 35 being the only notable resistance at the top. Sri Lanka's spinners, led by Dunith Wellalage, dismantled India's batting order in a spin-friendly wicket.
Wellalage claimed five wickets in a 5.1-over spell, including the crucial scalp of Sharma. Washington Sundar offered some resistance with 30 runs, but his dismissal by Maheesh Theekshana in the 26th over extinguished India's hopes.

The match ended swiftly, with Wellalage taking the final wicket of Kuldeep Yadav, wrapping up India's innings for a paltry 138 in just 26.1 overs. Sri Lanka's dominant spin attack, complemented by contributions from Theekshana, Wellalage, and Jeffrey Vandersay, sealed a memorable series win, Lanka's first since 1997.

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