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The third and final ODI between India and Sri Lanka witnessed an anti-climax given the way the guests had performed in the first two games. India had already sealed the series coming into the third game, thanks to their dominant style of play in the first ODI and a remarkable comeback in the following game. The third game was also expected to go India's way but the Sri Lankan players gave it their all on the field to hand India a shocking defeat in the dead rubber, thus putting an end to their losing streak against the side.
After winning the toss for the first time in the series, India skipper Shikhar Dhawan decided to bat first. Sri Lankan bowlers started with some tight line attack and the Indian batsmen despite playing with requisite precautions fell prey to them one after another, eventually getting bundled out for 225. Akila Dananjaya and Praveen Jayawickrama were the wrecker-in-chiefs with figures of 3/44 and 3/59, respectively. For India, Prithvi Shaw (49) and Sanju Samson (46) were the highest scorers. Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with a valuable 40-run knock.
During their chase, Sri Lanka came out all guns blazing and were 144/1 at one stage before India bounced back and sent some shivers down the spine of the hosts. However, India were short of at least 25 runs and that ultimately took a toll by the end of the game. By the time the Lankans could reach home, they had also lost seven wickets but a below-par target always ensured they were ahead in the game.