The third ODI between India and Sri Lanka is on, with the latter opting to bat first. Obviously, it has heated up on the field with Sri Lanka’s aggression in the first two matches of the series. Indian players determined to respond in the same coin have shown their resilience and spirit. One such incident was between Indian fast bowler Mohammad Siraj and Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis.
It was on the third ball of the 39th over of the Sri Lankan innings that both Siraj and Mendis got embroiled in an animated confrontation. Following the argument, Mendis somehow took a single and migrated to the non-striker’s end. He very next delivery turned out to be another piece of bad news for the visitors as Siraj struck again, cleaning up Sadeera Samarawickrama LBW and sending him back into the pavilion.
WATCH – Rohit Sharma’s Sinhalese Surprise: A Humorous Motivational Tactic
ODI record of Samarawickrama against Siraj – Horrid. He has batted three innings against Siraj; in those, he has faced a total of seven deliveries and he is yet to get off the mark. Each time, Siraj got his wicket portraying the Indian bowler’s domination over the batsman from Sri Lanka. This continued in the ongoing game as well, further accentuating the fact that Siraj is on top.
A few words exchange between Siraj and k Mendis pic.twitter.com/kjPurBEWcq
— Ꭺʙʜɪsнєк (@IAmAbhisharma5) August 7, 2024
This now becomes a critical run chase for Team India. Having lost the second ODI and the first one ending in a tied game, this game has to be won at all costs if India is to not lose the series. The pressure is on the Indian side to put up a good show and win the game. Only time will tell if India can keep the series alive with this match’s outcome.
ALSO READ: Abhinav Manohar reveals Learning From Ashish Nehra During IPL
As the game gets on, so shall the Indian team’s requirements of skills and determination in surmounting the challenge of hosts Sri Lanka. With high stakes, every player needs to contribute with their best to deliver a favorable result, keeping their hopes intact in the series.
