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India are currently on a tour of Sri Lanka. With a T20I series victory the visitors were prominently favourites to clinch the ODIs series as well. But the hosts made it difficult for the Men in Blue in the 50-over format by giving them tough fight in the first two games.
Summary of the ODI series so-far
Following the second ODI against Sri Lanka, India finds themselves trailing 0-1 in the three-match series. The second match took place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday. Despite a solid start in their run chase, India were defeated by Sri Lanka by 32 runs, putting the visitors in a more precarious position than after the first ODI, which ended in a dramatic tie.
The first match between the two teams was a nail-biter too, concluding in a dramatic draw. With only one game remaining in the series, the outcome is crucial. The final clash will determine whether Sri Lanka secure a series win or India manages to level the series.
Also WATCH: Shreyas Iyer’s superb reflexes lead to Kamindu Mendis’s run out in 2nd ODI
Final showdown in Colombo
The final match of the ongoing ODI series is scheduled to take place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, August 7. Both teams will be eager to conclude the series on a high note. The Sri Lankan side will be looking to secure a victory and claim the series, while the Indian team aims to secure their first ODI win under the new head coach.
One notable ODI that ended in a Super Over was the 2019 World Cup final, where England emerged victorious on a boundary countback after both the main match and the Super Over ended in a tie. This isn’t the only instance in an ODI where a Super Over was played.
In 2020, a Super Over determined the outcome of an ODI between Pakistan and Zimbabwe, with Zimbabwe clinching the win. Additionally, the 2023 Cricket World Cup Qualifier featured a Super Over between West Indies and the Netherlands.
India were also in the same situation in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, where the result could have been generated through a Super over. Similarly, if India win the third match, the series would typically end in a draw. However, this time, Super over rule comes into play: if the series is tied, it will be decided by a Super Over, marking the first instance of such a decider in a bilateral series. This new rule has heightened the anticipation and excitement for the final match, adding an extra layer of intrigue to what promises to be a thrilling conclusion.
