India created history by winning the fifth and final ODI match by 6 wickets at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo just a few moments ago. This time, Sri Lanka captain won toss but could not post a big total despite good partnership between Thirimanne and Mathews, as the hosts were bowled out for 238. Despite losing 2 early wickets, captain Virat Kohli played a captain’s knock helping team India win the match easily.
Upul Tharanga won the toss and elected to bat earlier today. Dickwella was again dismissed earlier for 2 runs. Captain Tharanga was looking in good form after missing 2 games due to ban. Munaweera was also dismissed for 4 runs. Before the end of powerplay overs, Tharanga was dismissed for 48.
At the end of 10 overs, Sri Lanka scored 64 runs for 3. After the restrictions overs, Mathews and Thirimanne played with positive intent. It was good batting display by the experienced batsmen. Thirmianne completed his half century in 83 balls while Mathews completed his fifty in 79 balls. As things were looking strong, Thirimanne was dismissed for 67 ending a 122 runs stand for the 4th wicket. The Indian bowlers did a great job picking the last 6 wickets for just 49 to dismiss Sri Lanka for 238 in 49.4 overs. Mahendra Singh Dhoni completed his 100th stomping in ODI cricket.
Chasing the modest target of 239, Rahane who replaced Dhawan was dismissed early for 5 runs. Rohit Sharma could not contribute much. Kohli and Manish Pandey steadied the innings scoring 53 runs for 2. Both batsmen looked in good touch taking singles, hitting bad balls away for boundaries. The Indian captain Kohli completed his half century off 53 balls. The third wicket added 101 runs before Manish Pandey was dismissed for 36.
Kedar Jadhav also played with positive intent and Kohli continued his brilliant form. It was another good partnership for India as Jadhav completed his half century off 52 balls. Kohli scored his 30th ODI century equalling the record of Ricky Pointing. India won the match by 6 wickets with 21 balls to spare.
India 239 for 4 in 46.3 overs ( Virat Kohli 110*, Kedar Jadhav 63) beat Sri Lanka 238 in 49.4 overs ( Thirimanne 67, Mathews 55, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 5/42) by 6 wickets.
Captain Virat Kohli said: Winning the series 5-0 is great. It was an all-around series as the youngsters who got a chance showed energy. Including the West Indies ODI series, we have won six games in a row which show the hunger and passion.
Man of the match Bhuvneshwar Kumar: In the first few matches, I was not among the wickets. It was a good performance as my bowling helped Sri Lanka to restrict 238 as hosts were on looking for a strong total.
Man of the series Jasprit Bumrah: I had a rest for the series against West Indies. It was my first visit to Sri Lanka and I am happy with my performance. Being with Malinga helped me at Mumbai Indians. Now if Sri Lanka has to qualify for World Cup 2019 directly, then they must hope that West Indies lose at least one match against Ireland and the 4-1 margin in five matches ODI series against England.
India whitewashes Sri Lanka 5-0 with the lone T20 to be played on 6th September.
