Siraj’s magic, Virat Kohli’s brilliance - A glance at the last three ODIs between India and Sri Lanka

As the world gears up for another exciting contest between India and Sri Lanka at Wankhede in less than 24 hours, the two teams will take a closer look at their current composition and accordingly work on whatever is available at their behest while also trying to plug in certain gaps in the process.

The Men in Blue will most likely be without Hardik Pandya as he is still to recover from his ankle sprain while Sri Lanka’s problems have been relentless as well. With all said and done, before we dive into another headstrong collision of two neighbours who have produced quite a few interesting contests. Here’s a glance at what happened in the last three match-ups between these two sides in ODIs.

1.    2023 Asia Cup final, India won by 10 wickets, Colombo

The Men in Blue were absolutely relentless in this battle, relying on the shoulders of the chief architect of the Lankan fall. Mohammed Siraj, who shot through the batting echelons of Sri Lanka, left them contorting in unforgettable agony. Siraj raged through the top-order of Sri Lanka clinching the scalps of Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva and Dasun Shanaka to skittle out the hosts for a paltry 50. Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill ensured that India lost no wickets, as the opening duo helped the Men in Blue to a staggering 10-wicket-win.

2.    2023 Asia Cup Super Four Stages, India won by 41 runs, Colombo

Even though the finals were a bit of let down for Sri Lanka, the Super Four stage had both the teams on tenterhooks. Batting first, India had a rare slip as Sri Lanka’s young sensation, Dunith Wellalage razed through the experienced Indian batting line-up with a sizzling fifer. However, an early charge from Rohit Sharma (53), laced with cameos from Ishan Kishan (33) and KL Rahul (39) helped India to pile up 213. The Indian bowlers, however, got in the act straightaway as Jasprit Bumrah’s early double whammy and Mohammed Siraj’s menacing spell up front left Sri Lanka tottering. The game took a sharp turn through the young Wellalage as he played a crucial knock with the bat too, staying unbeaten for a fine 42. However, once again the Indian bowlers were in excellent touch throughout the game that saw the pacers dealing the early blows while Kuldeep provided a late flourish to clean up the tail without breaking a sweat.

3.    Final ODI of the 3-match series, India won by 317 runs, Kerala

In Sri Lanka’s last visit to India, the Men in Blue handed a humiliating defeat to Dasun Shanaka and company with the most momentous one coming in the series finale. Despite Rohit Sharma falling for a well-orchestrated 42, Shubman Gill (116) and Virat Kohli (166) steered India to a momentous 390. Nuwanindu Fernando (19), Dasun Shanaka (11) and Kasun Rajitha (13) were the only ones to be a part of the double-digit club for the Lankans while the others entered in a parade of woes as India skittled out Sri Lanka for 73. Mohammed Siraj was once again the tormentor-in-chief for the Lankans as he clinched four crucial wickets while Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Shami claimed a couple of wickets each.