Colombo, Aug 7 (FN Representative) In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, Avishka Fernando’s stellar performance with the bat powered Sri Lanka to a historic 110-run victory over India in the third and final ODI at R Premadasa Stadium. This triumphant win marks Sri Lanka’s first bilateral ODI series victory over India since 1997. Winning the toss and opting to bat, Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka’s decision was vindicated by a magnificent innings from Fernando. With remarkable poise and aggression, Fernando hammered 96 off 102 balls, featuring 9 boundaries and 2 towering sixes. His exceptional performance laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s competitive total of 248/7. Fernando and Pathum Nissanka set the stage with an 89-run partnership for the first wicket.
Nissanka’s crucial 45 runs provided support, but it was Fernando’s elegant stroke play and steadfast concentration that stole the show. Despite falling just four runs short of a century to debutant Riyan Parag, Fernando’s innings ensured a solid platform for his team. Following Fernando’s departure, Kusal Mendis stepped up, scoring a valuable 59 runs off 82 balls. His steady innings, coupled with Fernando’s heroics, propelled Sri Lanka to a formidable total. Parag, making an impressive debut, took 3/54 in his nine overs, but it wasn’t enough to contain Sri Lanka’s batting charge. India’s chase began on a promising note with captain Rohit Sharma launching an aggressive assault on the Sri Lankan bowlers. Rohit’s quickfire 35 off 26 balls provided early hope, but Shubman Gill struggled, managing only 6 runs before being bowled by Asitha Fernando. Rohit’s dismissal, caught behind off Dunith Wellalage, triggered a dramatic collapse. The Indian middle order crumbled under the pressure of Sri Lanka’s spin attack. Rishabh Pant’s uncharacteristic stumping and Virat Kohli’s third consecutive lbw in the series underscored India’s batting woes. Wellalage’s sensational 5/27 in 5.1 overs dismantled the Indian lineup, bowling them out for a paltry 138 in 26.1 overs. The triumph over a formidable Indian side promises a bright future for Sri Lankan cricket.