Team India have sealed the three-match ODI series 2-0 after beating Sri Lanka by 4 wickets on Thursday at Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata.
Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj picked three wickets each to help India bundle out Sri Lanka for a below-par score of 215 runs in the first innings. Sri Lankan bowlers fought pretty hard and they managed to pick 6 wickets but India reached home eventually.
Earlier, Sri Lanka had made a pretty good start in the powerplay, having lost only 1 wicket in the first 15 overs. However, Sri Lanka lost the plot once the spinners were introduced.
Making his comeback in ODI team, Kuldeep Yadav bamboozled Sri Lankan batters with his turn and guile. He first had Kusal Mendis leg-before with a top-spin delivery. Axar Patel then rattled Dhananjaya de Silva’s wickets in the very next over.
Debutant, Nuwanidu Fernando produced a flawless innings of 50 runs in 63 balls, which included 6 fours. However, unfortunately, he got run-out to leave the team in further trouble. Kuldeep Yadav then picked two more wickets of Shanaka and Asalanka as Sri Lanka slipped from 102 for 1 to 126 for 6.
As many as five wickets fell in the space of seven overs. The lower-order, however, made crucial contributions to lift the team’s total to 215 runs on the board. Sri Lanka needed early wickets to put pressure on India and Lahiru Kumara and Karunaratne helped the team fetch those.
India didn’t get the same start they had in the last game. All three batters, namely Rohit Sharma (17), Gill (21), and Kohli (4) got out cheaply.
Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul looked to steady the ship but Rajitha had Iyer leg-before to, once again, bring his team back into the contest. By the end of 15 overs, India had lost four wickets for 86 runs.
Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul then stitched a match-defining 75-run partnership for the 5 wicket to help India get closer to the target. Hardik got out in the 35th over after scoring 36 off 53 balls but KL Rahul stood tall with the bat and guided the team home by playing an unbeaten knock of 64 runs in 103 balls.
The fans are overjoyed after witnessing India win the series. Here’s a look at how they have reacted on Twitter:
Congratulations team India for one more home series win. who else is unbeatable at home like team India ??? #INDvSL
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 12, 2023
Kl Rahul the saviour??????
— cricket is love ? (@Sarandeep__) January 12, 2023
Congratulations ? #KLRahul real chase master ?
— Walkmate® (@gsinghhp) January 12, 2023
Congratulations team India for one more home series win. who else is unbeatable at home like team India ??? #INDvSL
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 12, 2023
Well played KL Rahul. Hopefully now at least for a few days you won't be trolled even for birthday wishes.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 12, 2023
Ab me Shanti se Shadi kruga.. pic.twitter.com/aMOTQ2wZP4
— Shaikh Sohail ?? (@shaikhsohaill10) January 12, 2023
aaj koi KL rahul ko BKL rahul nahi bulayega
— A. (@Deludedindian) January 12, 2023
Axar Patel is eyeing as many batting opportunities as possible before Jadeja returns.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 12, 2023
Nuwanidu fernando looked like a bright prospect for Srilanka. Looked very calm and in control. #INDvsSL
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 12, 2023
Also Read: Three Bowlers Who Have Taken Most Wickets In Powerplay In ODIs
