The cricketing battle between the India National Cricket Team and the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team was in the limelight in July and August 2024, providing a series of thrilling games that had supporters on their toes. The tour consisted of a three-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series, both providing their own share of dramatic moments and revelations.
T20I Series: India’s Dominance
1st T20I: India Sets the Tone
The T20I series began on July 27, 2024, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. India, who batted first, put up a strong score of 213/7, courtesy of major contributions from their top-order batsmen. Sri Lanka’s run chase was led by Pathum Nissanka, who made a courageous 79 from 48 deliveries, and Kusal Mendis, who contributed 45 from 27. Having started strongly, Sri Lanka’s innings suffered, and they were bowled out for 170 in 19.2 overs, giving India the win by 43 runs and a 1-0 series lead .
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2nd and 3rd T20Is: India Completes the Sweep
Carrying on their momentum, India extended their dominance in the other T20Is as well. The second game witnessed India winning a target comfortably, and the third game was a display of their bowling power as they held Sri Lanka to a modest score. India’s dominating performances across all departments ensured a 3-0 series victory, a testimony to their prowess in the shortest form of the game.
ODI Series: A Battle of Equals
1st ODI: A Rare Tie
The ODI series got underway on August 2, 2024, at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium. Sri Lanka chose to bat first and totaled 230/8, supported by major efforts from Dunith Wellalage (67*) and Pathum Nissanka (56). Rohit Sharma with 58 and Axar Patel with 33 led the chase for India. But what unfolded was a cliffhanger, as two successive deliveries by Charith Asalanka meant the two teams recorded a very unusual tie.
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2nd ODI: Sri Lanka Takes the Lead
During the second ODI, Sri Lanka had a commanding performance. Batting first, they posted a target of 248, with Avishka Fernando’s 96 being a vital contribution. India’s reply was subpar, as they were dismissed for 138, giving Sri Lanka a 110-run win and a 1-0 series lead.
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3rd ODI: Sri Lanka Seals the Series
The last ODI witnessed Sri Lanka taking their winning streak forward. Batting first, they managed a good score, thanks to contributions from their top order. India’s run chase was derailed due to tight bowling, and they were defeated for the second time. Sri Lanka won the ODI series 2-0, their first bilateral ODI series win against India in 27 years .
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Conclusion
The series between Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and India National Cricket Team was a reflection of the unpredictable and enthralling nature of cricket. While India displayed their dominance in the T20Is in a clean sweep, Sri Lanka came back strong in the ODIs, securing a historic series victory. The games were brimming with individual brilliance, masterstrokes of strategy, and moments that will haunt memories of cricket fans for many years to come.
