We were 50 runs short in the end: Shikhar Dhawan after loss in third ODI

Tags: India tour of Sri Lanka, 2021, India, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka vs India, 3rd ODI at Colombo, Jul 23, 2021, Shikhar Dhawan

Published on: Jul 24, 2021

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Indian captain Shikhar Dhawan admitted that India did not put up enough runs on the board after winning the toss and batting first in the third ODI in Colombo. Having already won the series, India made as many as five changes to the team that played the second one-dayer. India were all-out for 225 in 43.1 overs with Prithvi Shaw, Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav all contributing 40s. In response, Sri Lanka reached 227 for 7 in 39 overs in the rain-curtailed match. Avishka Fernando top-scored with 76 while Bhanuka Rajapaksa contributed 65.

Speaking after the loss, Dhawan stated that things didn't go their way. He said, “We tried some new players. We got a good start but again we lost too many wickets in the middle overs. We were 50 runs short in the end. I am glad the players made their debut because everyone was in quarantine for such a long time, and we had this chance because we sealed the series in the last game.”

On the improvements going into the T20 series coming up, Dhawan stated that he will analyze things and try to come up with better strategies. “Looking forward to the T20 series. Of course we were positive that we could defend the target but we knew that we were short. The boys gave a good fight and it was interesting in the end. We always have to keep learning,” he added.

Suryakumar, who had an impressive debut ODI series with scores of 31 not out, 53 and 40, was named player of the series. He said that he did what he had been doing for the last two years. “Just look to keep it simple and the mantra has been working. I would have loved to make it big in the last two games, but I am learning. The atmosphere in the camp is really positive and am looking forward to the T20 series,” stated Yadav.

Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka congratulated the Indian team for winning the series. According to him, it was a very good series throughout and he expressed pleasure with how the hosts played. Shanaka explained, “The bowlers showed maturity, that's what I expect from the youngsters. I hope they will continue this in the future tours as well. When you play international cricket for long, the guys will improve and play consistently. It is a very big win for the fans. We have been waiting for very long and have won after very long against India at home. I want to thank all my players and the support staff. Actually I enjoy captaining.”

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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