India lost to Sri Lanka by 110 runs in the third ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday (August 7). With that win, Sri Lanka sealed the three-match ODI series 2-0.

Bowling first, we restricted Sri Lanka to 248/7 courtesy of a wonderful spell from Riyan Parag (3/54) on debut. Asitha Fernando (96) anchored the Lankan innings but Kuldeep Yadav (1/36) and Washington Sundar (1/29) were remarkable in keeping things tight.

In response, India could not get going despite an excellent start from Rohit Sharma (35) as we were dismissed for 138. Dunith Wellalage (5/27) and Jeffrey Vandersay (2/34) shone with the ball for the home team.

Let us have a look at how the third ODI unfolded.

Axar to the rescue

Just as Sri Lanka were looking to get away after a good start, Axar Patel did what he does best, break partnerships as Sri Lanka got to 89/1 at the 20-over mark.

Dream debut

Riyan Parag had a dream start to his ODI career as he dismissed Avishka Fernando on 96. That breakthrough was exactly what the team and the fans were looking for, swinging the momentum away from Sri Lanka.

Another over. Another wicket from Parag. This time it was captain Charith Asalanka in the next over and the Sri Lankan batters were struggling to pick the debutant.

From 171/1 to 199/6

Parag was not done yet as he continued his stupendous show on debut. The third wicket was an off-spinner’s delight as he beat the in-form batter Dunith Wellalage’s defence to produce the sweet sound of timber.

India bounced back emphatically much to the joy of the faithful as the Sri Lankan middle order fell apart from a formidable 171/1 to 199/6. We had a target of 249 to chase as the game was nicely poised at the halfway stage.

Just ‘Hitman’ things

Full on the pads, RO says thank you and flicks it effortlessly to start the chase in style. It was vintage Hitman as he took Maheesh Theekshana to the cleaners smashing him for a six and three boundaries in the fourth over.

Pushed to the wall

Unfortunately, RO got dismissed against the run of play, just as he was looking good for a third straight fifty. It was heart-breaking to see him walk back as India slid to 82/6 soon after.

Not our day

Though Washington Sundar (30) fought hard, it only delayed the inevitable. It was not our day as the Indian innings ended in the 27th over. Let's not get too disheartened, Paltan, we know what the Men In Blue can do, and we know they'll come back stronger come the Bangladesh series.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka 248/7 (Avishka Fernando 96, Kusal Mendis 59, Riyan Parag 3/54, Washington Sundar 1/29) BEAT India 138/10 (Rohit Sharma 35, Washington Sundar 30, Dunith Wellalage 5/27, Jeffrey Vandersay 2/34) by 110 runs.