IND vs SL 2023: We need to play with intent – Dasun Shanaka after series loss

Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka was disappointed after they lost the third ODI against India by a gargantuan margin of 317 runs at the Greenfield Cricket Stadium, Trivandrum on Sunday. Sri Lanka could not put up a fight and Shanaka feels they need to play with intent.

India posted a massive total of 390 runs after Rohit Sharma decided to bat first on a featherbed. Shubman Gill scored his second ODI century as he smashed an untroubled knock of 116 runs off just 97 balls. Rohit Sharma and Gill added 95 runs for the opening alliance and it was one-way traffic from there.

Kohli was also able to hit the ground running, racing to 26 runs off 19 balls with the help of four boundaries. Kohli and Gill added 131 runs for the second wicket as they looked at ease. Kohli continued his dream form, smashing an unbeaten 166 runs off 110 balls with the help of 13 fours and eight sixes – racking up his 46th ODI century in the process.

Sri Lankan bowlers could not create many chances and their bowling looked toothless. On the other hand, India folded Sri Lanka on only 73 runs as the visitors kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Mohammed Siraj was the chief destroyer of the Sri Lankan innings, taking four wickets and putting the opposition on the mat.

Dasun Shanaka said in the post-match presentation, “It’s disappointing. Not the game we would have wanted but it happens sometimes. Bowlers and batters both need to learn. How to pick wickets on these pitches and how to score runs. No idea about that (on the updates about Bandara and Vandersay). Playing positive cricket is the key. If the boys showed intent, bowling will be different. While playing international cricket, we need to play with intent. I would like to congratulate Indian team for playing this level of cricket.”

It was a disappointing performance from Sri Lanka as they even failed to put up a fight. Meanwhile, India became the first ODI team to register a win of more than 300 runs.

Sri Lanka will next take on New Zealand in two-match Test series in March.