Top-order batting and exceptional spin bowling contributed SL to winning the ODI

Sri Lanka's success over India in the recent ODI series was largely due to their top-order batting and exceptional spin bowling, according to captain Charith Asalanka. Despite a history of struggling against India, Sri Lanka managed to secure a series win for the first time in 27 years, drawing the first match, winning the second, and then decisively winning the third by 110 runs.

In a series dominated by spin-friendly conditions, Sri Lanka’s spinners took 27 out of 30 Indian wickets. Jeffrey Vandersay, Dunith Wellalage, and Asalanka were the top wicket-takers, even in the absence of premier spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who missed the latter games due to injury.

Asalanka praised the series win and the performance of the spinners. He noted that while spinners thrived on the spinning tracks, the top-order batsmen also played crucial roles. Avishka Fernando scored 96 in the third match, Pathum Nissanka totalled 101 runs across the series, and Kusal Mendis added 103 runs, including a key 59 in the final game.

Asalanka highlighted the improved top-order performance, which provided the foundation that had often been lacking in the past. He acknowledged that while the middle order had ups and downs, the solid starts from the top order were a significant change and a sign of team maturation.

The turnaround from a 3-0 T20I defeat to a series win in ODIs was attributed to a supportive team environment fostered by interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya. Asalanka emphasised the importance of giving players the freedom to showcase their talent without undue pressure, which contributed to their success against a strong Indian team.