India clinch a historic series victory in Sri Lanka

Colombo: India registered its first Test series win in Sri Lanka in over 22 years by defeating Angelo Matthews’ side by 117 runs.

The hosts, set a victory target of 386, were bowled out for 268 after tea on the fifth day at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo to hand the tourists a 2-1 series scoreline.

Sri Lanka were revived by a 135-run stand for the sixth wicket between Mathews and debutant Kusal Perera, but the dismissal of both batsmen on either side of tea sealed their fate.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin finished with four for 69 and was named man of the series for taking 21 wickets in the three Tests.

Seamer Ishant Sharma took three wickets in the innings, including the vital scalp of Mathews after tea, to take his tally to 200 wickets in his 65th Test.

India had fought back after losing the opening Test in Galle by 63 runs to win the second at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo by 278 runs and then took the enthralling final Test in the last session of play.

India’s last series success in Sri Lanka came under Mohammad Azharuddin’s captaincy in 1993 when they won 1-0.

Virat Kohli, enjoying a series win for the first time as Indian Test captain, said he was delighted to see the team bounce back after losing the first match.