“First Time in 27 Years: India Achieves Unwanted Feat After ODI Loss to Sri Lanka”

As Team India’s batting faltered, resulting in their being bowled out for 208 in the second ODI against Sri Lanka, they faced an unwelcome milestone. This defeat marks the first time in 27 years that India will not win a bilateral ODI series against Sri Lanka, provided at least one match in the series has been completed. India had enjoyed a streak of winning 11 consecutive bilateral ODI series since 1997, but that run will end here, with India only able to secure a 1-1 series draw at best.

This setback is an inauspicious start for Gautam Gambhir in his role as India’s new head coach. Despite winning the T20I series 3-0, India’s batting has struggled in the first two ODIs.

It’s worth noting that the series draw between the two nations in 2006 occurred because all three ODIs were washed out and could not be completed.

India vs Sri Lanka Second ODI: Match Summary

Sri Lanka, after opting to bat, recovered to post a total of 240, thanks to a crucial 72-run partnership between No. 8 Dunith Wellalage and No. 9 Kamindu Mendis. In response, India made a strong start with a 97-run opening partnership, including 64 runs off 44 balls from Rohit Sharma.

However, India faced a dramatic collapse, losing six wickets for just 50 runs and falling to 147/6. Shivam Dube and KL Rahul were dismissed for ducks, and Virat Kohli managed only 14 runs from 19 balls.

Axar Patel, who came in at No. 5, made a valiant effort with a run-a-ball 44, but his dismissal with India at 185/7 left the team with a difficult task.

Sri Lankan leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay dismantled the Indian lineup with six wickets, while captain Charith Asalanka added three more to secure the win.