How has SL's ODI side fared after 2023 World Cup?
Sri Lanka stunned India in the 2024 three-match ODI series, their maiden win in 27 years. The Lankans, who were ravaged by multiple injuries, enforced a tie in the opener before winning the next two matches. Sri Lanka have re-invented themselves in ODIs after facing heartbreak in the 2023 World Cup. They have bounced back even after being eliminated from the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Why does this story matter?
Sri Lanka were down and out after finishing ninth in the 10-team 2023 ODI World Cup. With back-to-back defeats, SL also failed to make the cut for the impending Champions Trophy, as mentioned. However, they have made massive strides in ODI cricket ever since, having aced their home games ever since. The series win over India is a testament to SL's mettle.
Eight wins in 12 ODIs
The 2023 ODI World Cup concluded on November 19, with Australia winning the same. Following the same, Sri Lanka have featured in 12 ODIs, winning eight of them. They lost two of them (Tied: 1, NR: 1). SL's only two defeats came against Bangladesh in the three-match series away from home. SL have won seven of their nine home ODIs during this period.
SL's campaign so far
Sri Lanka started this year by beating Zimbabwe 2-0 at home (one game abandoned). The Lankans then routed Afghanistan 3-0 in the three-match ODI series at home. They scored 381 in the series opener, with opener Pathum Nissanka slamming a double-century. SL lost the Bangladesh series 1-2 in March before restarting their campaign with a 2-0 win against India.
A record ODI series win over India
As mentioned, Sri Lanka claimed their maiden ODI series win over India in 27 years. The Lankans last beat India (ODI series) in 1997. The hosts had already broken India's streak of winning 10 consecutive ODI series against the Lankans (two-plus matches).
SL's unbeaten ODI series streak
As per ESPNcricinfo, Sri Lanka are now unbeaten eight consecutive ODI series at home (since losing 1-2 to India in 2021). This is their longest streak unbeaten series streak at home in men's ODIs.
Notable records of SL players in this period
In February, Nissanka became the first Sri Lanka batter with an ODI double-ton. He smashed a 139-ball 210* against Afghanistan. Dunith Wellalage became the first spinner to take multiple five-wicket hauls against India in ODI cricket. Jeffrey Vandersay became the second-ever wrist-spinner with an ODI six-fer against India. He also bagged the third-best bowling figures for a spinner in ODIs against India.
