India suffered a historic defeat in the recently concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka, losing 2-0 in the three-match contest. This marked the first time in 27 years that India has failed to win a bilateral ODI series against their island neighbors. The last time Sri Lanka beat India in an ODI series was in December 1997, when the two teams played out a 1-1 draw on Indian soil. Sri Lanka’s last series win over India was in August 1997 at home when they defeated the Sachin Tendulkar-led side 3-0 in a five-match series under Arjuna Ranatunga’s captaincy. Since then, India and Sri Lanka have played each other in 11 bilateral ODI series home and away, with the Men in Blue emerging victorious in all of them. However, this impressive streak came to an end in the recent series.
Sri Lanka’s Historic Series Win
In the third and final ODI played on August 7 at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka registered a convincing 110-run victory to clinch the series 2-0. Batting first, the hosts posted a competitive total of 248/7, thanks to a brilliant 96-run knock by Avishka Fernando. In reply, India’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, getting bowled out for just 138 in 26.1 overs. Debutant spinner Dunith Wellalage was the star for Sri Lanka, picking up 5 wickets for 27 runs in his 5.1 overs. Indian captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill got the chase off to a brisk start, adding 37 runs in 4.2 overs. However, once Gill departed for 6, the visitors lost wickets at regular intervals. Rishabh Pant, playing his first match of the series, was stumped in a bizarre fashion while attempting an extravagant shot. Virat Kohli, who had struggled throughout the series, was dismissed leg-before for the third consecutive time. The Indian batting lineup failed to cope with the spin threat posed by the Sri Lankan bowlers, with Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana running through the middle order. Only Riyan Parag, making his ODI debut, and Shivam Dube managed to show some resistance with a 18-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
India’s Dominance Ends
The defeat in Colombo marked the end of India’s 27-year dominance over Sri Lanka in bilateral ODI series. Since their last series loss in 1997, the Men in Blue had won 11 out of the next 13 series, with two ending in draws.India’s batting lineup, which boasts of superstars like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, failed to fire in the series. The visitors struggled to cope with the spin-friendly conditions and the disciplined bowling attack of the hosts.The series loss is a major setback for India, who were looking to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The team management will have to address the batting woes and find a way to tackle the spin threat before the crucial tournament.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s historic series win over India after 27 years is a testament to their resilience and determination. The young team, led by Dasun Shanaka, showed great character to overcome the odds and defeat the mighty Indians.For India, the series loss is a wake-up call. The team management must introspect and find solutions to the problems that plagued them in the series. With the Champions Trophy looming, the Men in Blue will have to bounce back quickly and regain their winning momentum.As fans, we can only hope that this series defeat will serve as a motivation for the Indian team to come back stronger and continue their dominance in the world of ODI cricket.
