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India‘s recent performance in the ODI series against Sri Lanka has been quite disappointing. They lost the series 2-0, this outcome has been a “huge reality check” for India, implying that it has exposed some significant issues or weaknesses in the team.
India’s significant ODI series defeat against Sri Lanka
India’s defeat in the third ODI against Sri Lanka was quite significant. They lost by 110 runs at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This loss was particularly noteworthy because it marked India’s first bilateral ODI series defeat to Sri Lanka since 1997. Overall, the defeat is serious not just because of the loss in the specific match, but also because it reflects a rare and impactful failure in a series context against an opponent they have traditionally performed well against.
Let’s take a note to explore the top five lowest team totals by India versus Sri Lanka in ODIs. These instances not only showcase the performance but also the struggles that India have faced earlier against the Islanders.
Top five lowest team totals by India against Sri Lanka in ODIs
1. 54 all-out at Sharjah in 2000
On October 29, 2000, during the Coca-Cola Champions Trophy final in Sharjah, India set the record for the lowest ODI score. Chasing Sri Lanka’s target of 300, India were bowled out for just 54 runs in 26.3 overs. Chaminda Vaas led Sri Lanka’s disciplined attack, taking 5 wickets for 14 runs. Despite having star players like Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, and Yuvraj Singh, only Robin Singh scored in double digits. This defeat remains one of India’s most disappointing moments in ODI cricket.
2. 78 all-out at Kanpur in 1986
On December 25, 1986, India were bowled out for 78 runs in an ODI against Sri Lanka. The Islanders had set a target of 195 runs. Indian batting collapsed under the bowling of Arjuna Ranatunga, who took 4 wickets for 14 runs in 6 overs. Early losses of Sunil Gavaskar and Raman Lamba led to a series of low scores, and India were dismissed in just 24.1 overs.
Also READ: India captain Rohit Sharma opens up after his team’s humiliating ODI series defeat against Sri Lanka
3. 103 all-out at Colombo in 2008
In another abysmal performance, India faced the humiliating defeat against the Sri Lanka in 2008, where the hosts won by 112 runs. Sri Lanka made 227/6 setting up a target of 228 which was later revised to 216 due to DLS method. The visitors were eventually bundled out for 103 in 26.3 overs.
4. 103 all-out at Dambulla in 2010
During India’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2010, the Men in Blue faced another setback. The tourists were bundled out for 103 in 33.4 overs during the 5th ODI in Dambulla. In response, the hosts chased down the paltry target in just 15 overs and won the game by eight wickets.
5. 112 all-out at Dharamsala in 2017
In 2017, Sri Lanka toured India to play Tests, T20I, and 3 match ODI series in which during the first ODI Sri Lanka dismantled the hosts for 112 in just 38 overs, where the visitors won by seven wickets (with 176 balls remaining).
