Sri Lanka eye historic ODI series win against India

(Colombo) - Sri Lanka, having tied the first One Day International (ODI) and secured a brilliant victory in the second, will aim for a historic series win when they face India in the third and final ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo tomorrow. A win would mark Sri Lanka’s first bi-lateral ODI series victory over India since 1997.

Despite concerns over injuries that have sidelined key fast bowlers, Sri Lankan players - particularly the spin bowlers - have outperformed the Indian batters in both games.

Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who stepped in for the injured Wanindu Hasaranga, was instrumental in winning the second ODI, claiming six crucial wickets.

He was the fifth Sri Lanka bowler after Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Angelo Mathews and Akila Dananjaya to pick up a six-for or better in an ODI against India.

Vandersay first made his mark in international cricket at 25, debuting in T20Is against Pakistan and later in ODIs against New Zealand.

Despite his potential, his career has been inconsistent, with only 22 ODIs and 14 T20Is over nine years.

Captain Charith Asalanka who played a key role in tying the first ODI with his double strike, also excelled in the second match with three important dismissals. Also, Dunith Wellalage’s all-round performance in both games has been exceptional.

Sri Lanka Cricket selectors have indicated that the final squad for the third ODI will likely remain unchanged unless injury concerns arise.

However, there are considerations regarding the possible replacement of Sadeera Samarawickrama, who has struggled to contribute significantly to Sri Lanka’s scoreboard.

India, having dominated Sri Lanka in 11 consecutive bi-lateral ODI series since 1997, faces a crucial test in Colombo. With Sri Lanka leading the series 1-0, India's best outcome is a 1-1 series draw, a sharp contrast to their recent unbroken streak.

The only previous instance of a drawn series was in 2006 when all three ODIs were washed out due to rain.

Sri Lanka's 32-run win on Sunday was their first over India in an ODI since July 2021. They had lost six straight meetings since then before Friday's tie.

The R. Premadasa Stadium pitch, known for favouring spinners, was pivotal in the first ODI where spinners took 13 out of the 18 wickets.

Historically, teams winning the toss have opted to bat first 82 percent of the time over the past five years at this venue. Sri Lanka Skipper, Asalanka, has won the toss in both previous games which has given his team a strategic advantage.

This series has also posed a challenge for India's new Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, despite a T20I series sweep against Sri Lanka earlier.