After losing the ODI series against Sri Lanka 2-0, former Indian opener and current expert Wasim Jaffer has expressed concern. Jaffer’s concern is not about the fact that Team India lost the series but he has expressed his concern about the Indian team’s preparations before the Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan next year. He says that playing only three ODIs before the Champions Trophy is a matter of concern for India.
Actually, the Champions Trophy is to be held in February-March next year and after the Sri Lanka tour, India will have only three ODIs to prepare for this tournament, which they have to play against England in 2025. Wasim Jaffer wrote on X, ‘Sri Lanka played better cricket and deserves to win the series. I am not worried that India lost the series. Winning and losing is a part of the game. However, it is a matter of concern that India has only 3 ODIs left before the Champions Trophy.’
SL played better cricket and deserve the series win. It doesn’t worry me that India lost a series. Wins and losses are part of the game. However it’s a point of concern that India has just 3 ODIs before the Champions Trophy. #SLvIND
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 7, 2024
Let us tell you, after 1997, the Sri Lankan team has been successful in winning the ODI series against India. The first match of this three-match series was a tie. After this, the host team won the next two matches in a one-sided manner. In the second ODI, Jeffrey Vandersay performed brilliantly with the ball, while in the third ODI, Dunith Wellalage wreaked havoc. Wellalage was also awarded the Player of the Series award for his excellent performance.
SL vs IND: Status of third ODI match
Talking about the third ODI match, Sri Lanka won the toss and scored 248/7. Avishka Fernando scored the highest 96 runs in 102 balls for Sri Lanka. Apart from him, Pathum Nissanka contributed 45 and Kusal Mendis contributed 59 runs. In response, Team India was all out for 138 runs in just 26.1 overs.
Rohit scored the highest 35 runs for India. Washington Sundar was dismissed after scoring 30 runs and Virat Kohli was dismissed after scoring 20 runs. India lost five wickets at the score of 73 runs. Dunith Welalage bowled the best in his career for Sri Lanka. He took 5 wickets for 27 runs in 5.1 overs.