One of the biggest talking points ahead of the decider will be Anvay Dravid, the son of legendary India captain Rahul Dravid, who impressed with a fluent 87 in the second ODI despite India’s defeat.
Anvay’s brilliant knock goes in vain
Anvay played an attacking innings of 87 off just 67 balls, hitting nine fours and a six as India recovered from a difficult position to post 285 after opting to bat.
However, Sri Lanka chased down the target comfortably, reaching 291/2 in 48 overs to register an eight-wicket victory and level the series.
Mahavithana powers Sri Lanka to victory
Sri Lanka’s chase was led by opener Dimantha Mahavithana, who remained unbeaten on a superb 155 off 153 balls.
He first shared a 103-run partnership for the second wicket with Senuja Wekunagoda (60) before adding an unbeaten 163-run stand with captain Vimath Dinsara, who finished on 56 not out, to take the hosts home with ease.
Anvay and Rajput rescue India
India were in trouble at 81/4 in the 19th over before Anvay and Arjun Rajput steadied the innings with a crucial 145-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Rajput scored a solid 76 off 81 balls before being run out by a direct hit from Mahavithana.
Anvay looked in complete control during his stay at the crease. He struck Chamika Heenatigala for a six and a four off successive deliveries and brought up his maiden Youth ODI fifty in just 47 balls.
A maiden century looked within reach, but left-arm pacer Gimhan Mendis dismissed him for 87. Mendis was Sri Lanka’s standout bowler with impressive figures of 5/41.
India fail to finish strongly
After Anvay’s dismissal, India’s innings lost momentum. They slipped from 263/7 to 285 all out, losing their final three wickets for just 22 runs.
India had taken a 1-0 lead in the series by winning the opening ODI by four wickets after successfully chasing 321 with four balls to spare. Anvay had scored only 14 in that match but made a strong statement with his 87 in the second game.
Series on the line
With the series now level at 1-1, both teams will be aiming to finish on a high in the decider at Hambantota. India will hope Anvay can continue his fine form, while Sri Lanka will once again look to Mahavithana to deliver with the bat as the two sides battle for the series title.
