Spinners from Sri Lanka make history and extend their winning streak to 14 games

Sri Lanka achieved a historic feat on Tuesday, September 12, by becoming the first team to take all 10 wickets against India in an ODI through the art of spin bowling. The reigning Asia Cup champions delivered an outstanding bowling performance on a spin-friendly pitch during the Super Fours match held at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium.

A mere day after India had recorded their joint-highest ODI total against Pakistan, reaching a formidable 356, the cricketing giants were bowled out for a modest 213. Rohit Sharma led the Indian batting effort with 52 runs, complemented by KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan, who contributed valuable runs in the middle order. Axar Patel also made a noteworthy contribution. Nevertheless, the Indian batsmen encountered significant challenges when facing spin bowling.

This match marked the 14th consecutive time in ODI cricket that Sri Lanka managed to dismiss all their opposition. Notably, the former world champions are currently enjoying a 13-match winning streak in the 50-over format of the game.

The 20-year-old Dunith Wellalage played a pivotal role in this historical victory by securing his maiden 5-wicket haul in ODIs. His left-arm spin bowling was simply sensational as he managed to dismiss key Indian batsmen, including Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, and Rohit Sharma, in a dream-like display of bowling prowess. 

On the other hand, part-time spinner Charith Asalanka, who had claimed only 1 wicket in 38 ODIs throughout his career before this match, made a substantial impact by taking 4/18. His exceptional performance dismantled India's lower-middle order.

The final wicket was claimed by Mahesh Theekshana, who outfoxed Axar Patel in the last over of the contest, resulting in India being bowled out in 49.1 overs.

Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka's astute captain, displayed tactical brilliance by employing spin bowling for a significant portion of the innings, particularly after witnessing the success of Dunith Wellalage, who quickly dismissed Shubman Gill.

The Indian team had started strongly, with Rohit Sharma and Gill combining for an 80-run opening partnership. However, Dunith Wellalage's magnificent spell of bowling led to India's batting collapse, before KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan came together to stabilize the innings with a partnership exceeding 60 runs.