Sri Lanka created history as they earned their first ODI series win over India since 1997, when they crushed the Men in Blue by 110 runs in the third and final ODI in Colombo on August 7. With this, they pocketed the series 2-0.
Sri Lanka had batted first and thanks to 96 by Avishka Fernando and a fifty by Kusal Mendis, posted 284/7 in 50 overs. Riyan Parag on his ODI debut took three wickets.
In reply, Rohit Sharma (35) and Washington Sundar (30) could only withstand Sri Lankan spinners as India was bundled out for 138 runs and lost the game by 110 runs.
This was India's first ODI series since their tragic home loss to Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup final in November 2023.
India's next ODI assignment will be a three-match home series against England in February of next year. These are the only ODI games the Indian team will play ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 which is scheduled to be played in Pakistan.
This concern was also shared by former India opener Wasim Jaffer as well. He praised the Sri Lankan team for their performance in the ODI series but also showed worry about the Indian team’s schedule ahead of the Champions Trophy.
"SL played better cricket and deserve the series win. It doesn't worry me that India lost a series. Wins and losses are part of the game. However, it's a point of concern that India has just 3 ODIs before the Champions Trophy. #SLvIND,” Jaffer posted on X.
