Heated altercation between Virat and Asitha
During the third ODI between India and Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando first teased Virat Kohli. The Indian star also responded to it and the two got into an argument. Virat Kohli ended the Sri Lanka tour with another low score as he scored just 20 runs in the series decider on Wednesday. Kohli struggled against spin and fell prey to Dunith Velalage. The senior star registered a series of low scores – 24, 14, 20 – he was trapped in front of the wicket in all three matches. Kohli also had an argument with Sri Lankan bowler Asitha Fernando while batting in the third ODI.
Chasing a target of 249 runs, Kohli opened his account with a lucky four off Fernando. He defended the third ball when Fernando said something to him on the follow through, to which Kohli also reacted and gave him a befitting reply by running towards Rohit Sharma at the non-striker end.
During the 3rd ODI between India and Sri Lanka, a heated exchange erupted between Indian star Virat Kohli and Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando. The incident occurred after Fernando delivered a series of fiery deliveries to Kohli, who was visibly frustrated. Words were exchanged between the two, leading to a tense standoff on the field. The situation intensified when Kohli, known for his competitive spirit, responded to Fernando’s aggressive bowling with some pointed remarks. Fernando, not backing down, engaged in the verbal confrontation.
The umpires quickly intervened to prevent the situation from escalating further, reminding both players of the spirit of the game. This exchange added to the drama of an already intense match, highlighting the fierce rivalry and competitive nature of both teams. The incident was a reminder of the high stakes and emotions involved in international cricket, particularly when two passionate teams like India and Sri Lanka face off.
All was well between the two cricketers after the match
However, all was well between the two cricketers after the match. Virat Kohli and Asitha Fernando were seen laughing while shaking hands. Meanwhile, Kohli’s struggle against spinners continued. The former Indian captain was dismissed in the 24th over by Velalage. He failed to read the arm-ball and was given out LBW. He also tried his best to save his wicket by opting for DRS, but he started walking back towards the dressing room as soon as he saw the replay on the giant screen.
Riyan Parag was the only rescue for India
The only rescue for India in the third ODI was the bowling of debutant Riyan Parag. The young all-rounder took 3 wickets for 54 runs on debut, but Sri Lanka still scored 248 runs for 7 wickets thanks to Avishka Fernando’s 96 and Kusal Mendis’ 59.
Bowling an off-break, Riyan stopped Fernando from scoring a century. His 102-ball innings included nine fours and two sixes. Fernando added 89 for the first wicket with Pathum Nissanka (45) and 82 for the second with Mendis.
Chasing a target of 249, India got off to a solid start with Rohit Sharma hitting crucial boundaries but Sri Lankan spinners Dunith Wellage (5.1-0-27-5) spun his web and picked up crucial wickets of Rohit, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. India were bowled out for 138 in 26.1 overs thanks to skipper Rohit (35) and Washington Sundar (30).
This was Sri Lanka’s first ODI series win against India in 27 years. They won the three-match series 2-0 – the first match was tied.
India vs Sri Lanka Highlights 3rd ODI
Kohli saved Asitha’s delivery just below his helmet and the ball hit the middle of his bat. However, when the bowler was walking towards the umpire to take his cap, he said something to the batsman. Kohli stared at the fast bowler and a few more words were exchanged between the two.
India’s position worsens after Virat Kohli’s wicket
Virat Kohli had to return to the pavilion after scoring 20 runs as he missed a straight delivery from Dunith Velalage and was caught forward. The star batsman took a review but the replays showed three reds and he walked off even before the ball tracking was shown.
Rohit Sharma once again gave the team a quick start, but the Indian captain was caught behind off Dunith Velalage after scoring 35 runs. Apart from the big wickets of Rohit and Kohli, Velalage also picked up the wickets of Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel.
The team lost six wickets even before reaching the three-figure mark and the batsmen once again failed to adjust to the square turning of the ball. Riyan Parag and Shivam Dube are at the crease at the time of writing, but with the arrival of Washington Sundar, the challenge for India is much tougher.
Conclusion
India’s star batsman Virat Kohli and Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando were involved in a heated exchange during the third ODI of the ongoing series between the two teams at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The exchange happened after the end of the fifth over.
Fernando’s dismissal on 96 off the bowling of debutant Riyan Parag changed Lanka’s course. Though a score of 270 looked likely, Fernando’s dismissal in the 36th over put the team in a spot of bother. The hosts lost four wickets in seven overs, but India regained control of the match with Parag taking three wickets.
