India suffers historic ODI series loss to Sri Lanka after 27 years

Colombo: Sri Lanka secured a historic series victory over India, winning the three-match ODI series 2-0 after defeating the visitors by 110 runs in the final match at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday. This series loss marks India’s first ODI series defeat to Sri Lanka in 27 years.

Sri Lanka set a target of 249 runs, and India’s chase got off to a shaky start. Opener Shubman Gill was dismissed early for just 6 runs, setting the tone for India’s struggling batting performance. Captain Rohit Sharma managed to stay at the crease for a while but received little support from the other end as wickets continued to tumble.

Star batsman Virat Kohli was dismissed for 20, continuing his disappointing run in the series. Middle-order batsmen Rishabh Pant (6), Shreyas Iyer (8), and Axar Patel (2) failed to make an impact, with none reaching double figures. Washington Sundar offered some resistance lower down the order with a score of 30, but it was insufficient to rescue the innings.

Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage was the standout performer, taking five crucial wickets and dismantling the Indian batting lineup. He was well-supported by Jeffrey Vandersay and Maheesh Theekshana, who each took two wickets.