Virat Kohli’s record-breaking 46th ODI ton, Gill’s 2nd ODI century and Siraj’s opening spell helped India demolish Sri Lanka in the 3rd and final ODI by 317 runs. With this win, India clinched the ODI series by 3 against 0 over their southern neighbors. Although this series was inconsequential concerning the Super League points, a comprehensive victory meant India has started their ICC Men’s 50-over World Cup preparations on a positive note. This is the highest victory margin in terms of runs in international one-day cricket.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India put up a formidable 390 for 5 after 50 overs with centuries from Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill. Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer chipped in with handy contributions at the top to give their bowlers an extra cushion of runs. 15 extras also did not help the Sri Lankan cause as Indian batters belted them all around the park at will.
Chasing 391 from 50 overs, brilliant opening spells from Mohammad Siraj and Mohammad Shami reduced the Sri Lankan side to 39 for 5 in 10 overs. Siraj picked up the wickets of Avishka Fernando, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kusal Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga while Shami scalped Charith Asalanka’s wicket to rock the Lankan batting order. Thereafter, it was wickets at regular intervals that helped India instill a crushing defeat. Siraj finished with impressive figures of 4 for 32 from his 10 overs.
Virat Kohli was declared the player of the match for his brilliant 166. He was also declared the player of the series for scoring 283 runs in the series with an average of over 140.
Biggest Wins by Runs in ODIs
- India defeated Sri Lanka by 317 runs – Thiruvananthapuram (2023)
- New Zealand defeated Ireland by 219 runs – Aberdeen (2008)
- Australia defeated Afghanistan by 275 runs – Perth (2015)
- South Africa defeated Zimbabwe by 272 runs – Benoni (2010)
India’s next assignment is against the in-form New Zealand team which is visiting India for a 3-match ODI and T20I series. BCCI has already announced a 15-member squad for the next home series.
