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 Mendiswho 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 Vandersaysealed a memorable series win, Lanka’s first since 1997.
