India thrashed Sri Lanka by an innings and 171 runs on the third day at Palleke International Stadium, Kandy to seal a historic 3-0 win. It was a completely dominating performance by team India who outplayed Sri Lanka in all departments and won the match easily.
Starting the day on 19 for 1, Sri Lanka lost an early wicket of Karunanthe who was dismissed by R Ashwin. After that night watchmen, Pushpkumara and Kusal Mendis were dismissed to leave Sri Lanka in big trouble at 39 for 4. Captain Dinesh Chandimal with experienced Angelo Mathews played the Indian bowlers with good intent. Both batsmen ended the first session at 82 for 4.
In the second session, Chandimal and Mathews continued to fight it out before the captain was dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav for 36 ending 65 runs partnership for the 5th wicket. The Indian bowlers put pressure on the Sri Lankan batsmen dismissing the hosts for 181 in 74.3 overs. Dickwella provided some resistance for hosts with 41.
India 457 in 122.3 overs ( Shikhar Dhawan 119, KL Rahul 85, Hardik Pandya 108, L Sandakan 5/132) beat Sri Lanka 135 in 37.4 overs ( Dinesh Chandimal 48, Dickwella 29, Kuldeep Yadav 4/40) and 181 in 74.3 overs ( Dickwella 41, Chandimal 36, R Ashwin 4/68) by an innings and 171 runs.
Captain Dinesh Chandimal said: It was a tough series as the Indian cricket team played brilliant cricket in the series. The batting and bowling were not up to the standard which costs us the series. We have talented cricketers but need to be patient enough for the upcoming series against Pakistan.
Indian captain Virat Kohli said: It feels nice to win test matches easily. The regulars have performed well in the series. The biggest positives for was Hardik Pandya’s inclusion who gives us the balance. We are a young side and would love to be ruthless in all test matches.
Man of the match Hardik Pandya said: The situation was good for me to get my first century in test matches. In test cricket, getting a five wicket haul is not easy. Whenever the team requires, I am there.
Player of the series Shikhar Dhawan said: I was not in the squad before the series as Vijay got injured. The management backed me up to play my natural game as we have tight competitions for positions.
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