One of the biggest talking points ahead of the decider is Anvay Dravid, the son of legendary Indian captain Rahul Dravid, who impressed with a fluent 87 in the second ODI despite India’s defeat.
Anvay’s brilliant knock was useless
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 electing to bat.
However, Sri Lanka chased down the target comfortably, reaching 291/2 in 48 overs to register an eight-wicket win and level the series.
Mahavithana powered Sri Lanka to victory
Sri Lanka’s chase was led by opener Dimantha Mahavithana, who remained unbeaten with a remarkable 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 with 56 not out, to send the hosts home with ease.
Anvay and Rajput saved India
India were in trouble at 81/4 in the 19th over before Anvay and Arjun Rajput continued 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 Mahavithana’s direct hit.
Anvay looked in complete control as he stayed at the crease. He hit Chamika Heenatigala for a six and a four off consecutive 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 outstanding bowler with impressive figures of 5/41.
India failed to finish strongly
After Anvay’s dismissal, the Indian innings lost momentum. They fell from 263/7 to 285 all out, losing their last three wickets for just 22 runs.
India took 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 scored only 14 in that match but made a strong statement with his 87 in the second match.
Line series
With the series tied at 1-1, both teams will be looking to finish top in the Hambantota decider. India will hope that Anvay can continue his good form, while Sri Lanka will once again look to Mahavithana to deliver the bat as the two sides battle it out for the series title.