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Kolkata Knight Riders

about a year ago

Sri Lanka fought back to win the last ODI by 3 wickets as India still bagged the series 2-1 in Colombo on Friday.

Electing to bat first India put up a below-par show. In a rain-curtailed match that was trimmed down to 47 overs each side, India were bowled out for 225 runs. Sanju Samson top-scored with 46 runs and Suryakumar Yadav tried to save the day with a gritty 37-ball 40. But the rest of the batters failed miserably. Having five deubtants - Sanju Samson, Chetan Sakariya, Krishnappa Gowtham, Nitish Rana and Rahul Chahar - India were testing their bench strength which certainly backfired as they struggled to break partnerships and even were sloppy in the field.

Sri Lanka played extra spinners in the match and the benefits were reaped. Praveen Jayawickrama and Akila Dananjaya picked up three wickets each and ripped into the Indian batting order. Playing his debut ODI match, KKR's Nitish Rana couldn't shine with the bat as he got caught behind for just 7 runs.

Chasing 226 runs for a win, Sri Lanka had a strong start. Even though they lost their opener Minod Bhanuka early, Avishka Fernando (76) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (65) made things look effortless for the hosts. Their 109-run partnership for the second wicket took the match away from India.

Even though there were some late strikes from Rahul Chahar (3-54) and Chetan Sakariya (2-34), defending 225 runs was way too tall a task for the inexperienced Indian bowling attack.

India now play Sri Lanka in the 3-match T20I series from Sunday, July 25th, onwards.