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India's batting maestro Virat Kohli made an early entry to the crease in India's pursuit to chase down Sri Lanka's total of 248 runs in the third ODI at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The Indian opener, Shubman Gill, was dismissed cheaply, leaving Kohli to face the new ball in the powerplay. The veteran batsman faced a challenging start against Asitha Fernando.
Virat Kohli survives close shave
On the fifth ball of the fifth over, Virat Kohli attempted a cross-batted shot to a length delivery from Asitha Fernando. The ball took an edge and flew towards backward point, narrowly escaping a catch. Kohli was fortunate to see the ball trickle to the boundary. The following delivery was defended by Kohli, but the subsequent moments between the batsman and bowler were far more intriguing. Both Kohli and Fernando engaged in intense staring, significantly elevating the on-field tension.
WATCH: Virat Kohli and Asitha Fernando's intense stare-down
However, few moments later Dunith Wellalage trapped Kohli and the India's batting juggernaut returned to the pavilion after score mere 20 off 18 balls. Rohit Sharma did give India a blazing start with his quickfire 35 off 20 balls but India suffered yet another batting collapse and were left stranded at 101/7 after 17 overs.
Sri Lanka Set 248-7 for India
Sri Lanka posted a total of 248 runs for the loss of seven wickets in the third and final ODI against India. Openers Avishka Fernando and Pathum Nissanka laid the foundation with an 89-run partnership, setting the tone for the innings. Fernando, who scored 96 runs, was the standout batter for the hosts.
Kusal Mendis contributed a crucial 59 runs, providing stability to the Sri Lankan middle order. India's debutant Riyan Parag, an off-spin bowler, impressed with three wickets, including the important dismissal of Fernando.
In reply, India could only score 138 before folding out as Sri Lanka registered their first ever ODI series win over Men in Blue since 1997.
Sri Lanka's Playing XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka(c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando
India's Playing XI:
Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Shreyas Iyer, Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
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