India's batting lineup faced a formidable challenge as they crumbled against the spinning prowess of Jeffrey Vandersay, who showcased his talent with a career-best 6 for 33, leaving India reeling in their pursuit of 241 runs. Despite a blazing start by skipper Rohit Sharma, India succumbed to Sri Lanka's spinners, spiraling from 97 for no loss to 147 for 6 in a spectacular collapse.
The Sri Lankan team, fueled by their spin attack strategy on a gripping pitch, staged a remarkable comeback after a shaky start in their innings. Wellalage's resilient batting and Vandersay's spin wizardry proved pivotal in securing a 32-run victory over India, ending a series of losses against the visitors.In a plot twist, Vandersay, drafted into the squad due to Hasaranga's injury, decimated India's top order, claiming key wickets including those of Rohit, Kohli, and Rahul.
Despite a brief resistance by Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, Sri Lanka's spin trio, including Charith Asalanka's offspin, sealed India's fate with precision and control.Sri Lanka's tailored spin-heavy attack paid off as they orchestrated a memorable win, with Vandersay joining an elite list of Sri Lankan bowlers with six-fors against India. The match also saw Kamindu Mendis playing a crucial role with the bat, complementing Wellalage's heroics to set up a competitive total.
Noteworthy performances by Avishka, Kamindu, and Asalanka further solidified Sri Lanka's dominance, showcasing their resilience and strategic adaptability throughout the game. As India faltered against the turning ball, Sri Lanka's spin brigade stood tall, cementing their triumph and breaking their streak of losses against the Indian team.