Sri Lanka secured their first bilateral one-day international series win over India in 27 years with a 110-run victory in the third ODI in Colombo.
Opener Avishka Fernando scored 96 runs to help Sri Lanka set a target of 249, posting 248-7. Left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage then took 5-27, dismissing India for 138 in 26.1 overs.
Sri Lanka won the series 2-0, having taken the second ODI by 32 runs after the first match ended in a dramatic tie. India had won the previous 13 bilateral ODI series against Sri Lanka, with 11 wins and two draws.
India had a successful Twenty20 series last month, winning 3-0.
This series marks Sri Lanka’s first limited-overs success under new captain Charith Asalanka and interim head coach Sanath Jayasuriya, who took over after Chris Silverwood resigned following Sri Lanka’s early exit from the T20 World Cup.
“We are in a really good mood right now, especially our coach,” said Asalanka. “He made a few changes in the team, and the boys really enjoyed the team environment.”
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka reached 171-1 thanks to Fernando’s 102-ball innings. However, they lost five wickets for 28 runs after his dismissal. Wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis scored 59 off 82 balls, helping Sri Lanka set a challenging total on a turning pitch at the R Premadasa Stadium.
India captain Rohit Sharma contributed 35 runs, and star batter Virat Kohli added 20, but both fell to Wellalage as India struggled and were bowled out quickly.
