India lose first bilateral ODI series against Sri Lanka in 27 years after 138 all-out in Colombo

India lost their first bilateral ODI series against Sri Lanka since 1997 after going down by 110 runs in the third ODI against Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, August 7.

Chasing a 249-run target in the third ODI, India were reduced to 101/8 before getting bundled out for 138 in 26.1 overs as the hosts sealed a 2-0 win. The first match ended in a tie, while Sri Lanka defeated India by 32 runs in the second ODI.

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India's surprise batting collapse against Sri Lanka spinners was a common factor in all the three ODIs. Dunith Wellalage, who starred with the bat and ball in the tied first ODI, picked his second five-wicket haul against the Men in Blue to help Sri Lanka beat India in an ODI series for the first time in 27 years.

Captain Rohit Sharma was once again the only positive for India with the bat. The 37-year-old scored 35 runs off 20 runs, but his opening partner Shubman Gill (6 off 14) failed once again. The Indian team vice-captain was clean bowled by Asitha Fernando.

When Rohit Sharma fell to Dunith Wellalage, the Indian scorecard read 53/2 in 2 in 7.1 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who walked in the team in place of KL Rahul, was the next one to depart. He was stumped by Kusal Mendis off the bowling of Maheesh Theekshana.

Moments later even before one could blink, Wellalage picked three more wickets. He dismissed Virat Kohli (20), Axar Patel (2) and Shreyas Iyer (8). While Kohli and Iyer got out LBW, southpaw Axar was clean bowled.

Debutant Riyan Parag was the next one to depart as the batter completely failed to read the delivery from second ODI hero Jeffrey Vandersay. As Parag opted to leave the ball, his off-stump was uprooted. The leg-spinner also sent Shivam Dube (9) packing.

Washington Sundar (30) and Kuldeep Yadav (6 off 30) delayed Sri Lanka's win with a 37-run partnership off 51 balls, before the resistance was ended by Theekshana. The off-spinner got Sundar before Kuldeep Yadav became Wellalage's fifth victim and Indian innings was wrapped up for 138 in 21.1 overs. Sri Lanka spinners picked 27 off the Indian 30 wickets in the series.

Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka won the toss again and opted to bat. Openers Pathum Nissanka (45) and Avishka Fernando (96) partnered for 89 runs. Avishka then stitched an 82-run partnership of 94 balls for the second wicket with Kusal Mendis (59).

Riyan Parag (3/54) hit Avishka on his pads to deny his 4th ODI hundred by four runs. He later trapped Sri Lanka captain Avishka Fernando in front of the stumps before the other bowlers capitalised and reduced Sri Lanka to 199/7 from 171/1.

But Mendis stayed till the end and cameo from Kamindu Mendis (23* off 19) took Sri Lanka to their highest total of the series.