India loses cricket series to Sri Lanka after 27 years
Sri Lanka defeated India in a cricket series for the first time in 27 years, clinching a 2-0 victory in the three-match ODI series.
The decisive blow came on Wednesday when Sri Lanka triumphed by 110 runs in the third ODI at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Chasing a target of 249 runs, India started off promisingly but succumbed to the spin attack led by Dunith Wellalage, who delivered a stunning performance with figures of 5.1-0-27-5.
The Indian innings crumbled to a total of 138 runs in just 26.1 overs. Skipper Rohit Sharma (35) and Washington Sundar (30) offered some resistance but could not steer the team to victory.
Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka chose to bat first after winning the toss. Avishka Fernando played a pivotal role in setting a competitive target with a composed 96 runs, supported by Kusal Mendis who scored 59.
Riyan Parag, making his debut, impressed with a three-wicket haul (3/54), but it wasn't enough to prevent Sri Lanka from posting 248/7 in their 50 overs.
The series saw a dramatic start with the first ODI ending in a tie, followed by Sri Lanka's 32-run victory in the second match. This series defeat marks a notable moment in cricket history as Sri Lanka celebrated their first bilateral series win against India since 1997.
