COLOMBO: Sri Lanka secured a historic ODI series victory over India with a 110-run win at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday.
The hosts clinched the three-match series 2-0, having tied the first game and defeated India by 32 runs in the second ODI, thanks to standout performances from spinner Jeffrey Vandersay.
Chasing a target of 249, India’s batting lineup faltered dramatically, collapsing to 138 all out in 26.1 overs. This result marked Sri Lanka’s first ODI series win over India in 27 years, with their last bilateral series victory coming in August 1997.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma was the top scorer for his team, contributing 35 runs off 20 balls. Star batter Virat Kohli also struggled, scoring 20 runs off 18 balls before being dismissed. The collapse began after Sharma and Kohli’s wickets, with Rishabh Pant (6), Shreyas Iyer (8), and Axar Patel (2) falling to Sri Lanka’s spin attack.
Washington Sundar scored 30 off 25 balls before being dismissed, leaving India at 138 for nine in 26 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was out on the very next ball, sealing Sri Lanka’s historic series win.
For Sri Lanka, Dunith Wellalage was the standout performer with a five-wicket haul for 27 runs, while Jeffrey Vandersay claimed two wickets. Earlier, Sri Lanka, batting first, posted 248 for seven in their 50 overs, with Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando providing a solid start with an 89-run partnership. Nissanka scored 45 off 65 balls, while Fernando fell just short of a century, making 95 off 102 balls.
Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis added 59 runs, and Kamindu Mendis contributed 23 runs in the latter part of the innings, helping Sri Lanka set a competitive total.
