Mumbai (Maharashtra): India have managed to inflict a 3-0 series whitewash on Sri Lanka with a five-wicket win in the third T20I, here on Sunday.
Sri Lanka hoped to end the India tour on a high when India struggled in a 136-run chase, but towards the staggering end, the hosts established victory with four balls to spare.
In reply to Sri Lanka’s modest 135 for seven, India lost in-form openers – captain Rohit Sharma (27) and KL Rahul (4) – early. For a long time, India’s chase scoreboard crawled with runs mostly coming in singles.
Dinesh Karthik (18 not out) hit a massive six off Nuwan Pradeep’s full toss in the last ball of the 19th over and tilted the match in India’s favour.
Jaydev Unadkat was the pick of Indian bowlers with figures of 4-0-15-2, for which he was awarded with the ‘Man of the Match’ title.
Unadkat was also conferred with the ‘Man of the Series’ title.
Sri Lanka now head home with just one ODI win from this tour, while India move to South Africa with smashing victories in all three formats.
Meanwhile, in the match, India stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma earned himself another laurel as he now has hit 65 sixes this year in all formats – the highest in a calendar year by any batsman. (ANI)