India fight back to restrict Sri Lanka to 248 for seven

India’s bowlers fought back well to restrict Sri Lanka to 248 for seven in the third One-Day International between the teams at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka elected to bat first having won a third toss in a row and had reached 171 for one in 35.3 overs. With wickets in hand, they should have at least put up 100 more in the last 14 overs, but India’s bowlers showed discipline and ensured their batters didn’t end up chasing a big target. Batting would become tough in the second half of the game as spin has made life difficult for batters throughout the series.

It was debutant Riyan Parag who turned the game in favour of India as he broke an 82 run stand between Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis for the second wicket when he trapped the former leg-before wicket.

In his next over Parag trapped captain Charith Asalanka leg before wicket while Mohammed Siraj yorked Sadeera Samarawickrama for a duck. After being 171 for one, Sri Lanka found themselves in trouble at 199 for six as five wickets fell for 28 runs.

Parag was the pick of the bowlers finishing with three wickets for 54.

Some big hitting by Kusal Mendis (59) and Kamindu Mendis (23 not out) helped Sri Lanka to their eventual total of 248 for seven.

Avishka Fernando top scored with 96 that came off 102 deliveries with nine fours and two sixes.

Sri Lanka lead the three match series 1-0. The first game on Friday was tied while Sri Lanka won the second game on Sunday. Sri Lanka have never won an ODI series against India since 1997

Brief scores:
Sri Lanka 248/7 in 50 overs [Pathum Nissanka 45, Avishka Fernando 96, Kusal Mendis 59, Kamindu Mendis 23*; Riyan Parag 3-54] vs India