Sri Lanka vs. India, 3rd Test, Day 5: Visitors Win First Test Series Since 2011

It took them a little longer than they would have hoped, but India came out victorious in Colombo over Sri Lanka by 117 runs in the third Test.

The away side started the day needing seven wickets to win, and after a strong partnership between Angelo Mathews and Kusal Perera they looked unlikely to secure victory.

However, when Perera was out, the home side folded relatively quickly, and handed India their first away win in a Test series since 2011.

It marked a good end to the tour for India and a disappointing one for the home side, who have plenty of questions, especially about their batting.

With the game over, let’s take a look back at some notable moments from the fifth day.

Eranga Jayawardena/Associated Press

Angelo Mathews and Kusal Perera put on big resistance

Angelo Mathews and Kusal Perera came together at 107-5, and for a time it looked as though they would not only hold India at bay but take Sri Lanka to an unlikely win.

Chasing 386, the pair both looked in good touch and frustrated the visitors, who appeared clueless as to how to remove them.

In the end, it was not quite enough, but Mathews did well to score 110 before being trapped LBW by Ishant Sharma.

On debut, Perera looked assured as he made 70 from 106 balls in a partnership worth 135 that helped Sri Lanka recover from another wobble in the top order.

Perera’s dismissal sparks another collapse

However, their efforts were in vain, as when Perera was out, the rest of the batting crumbled once again.

It was not the best way to be dismissed, either, as Perera went for a reverse sweep just before tea off Ravichandran Ashwin and was caught at point by Rohit Sharma.

After the tea interval, Mathews soon went and was followed by Rangana Herath, Dhammika Prasad and Nuwan Pradeep in the space of just four overs.

Ashwin was the chief destroyer, while Amit Mishra got the last wicket of Pradeep to spark scenes of jubilation among the visiting players.

The tail failed to wag, but Sri Lanka were again let down by their top six, as two players were dismissed for nought, three in double figures and only Mathews made a big innings.

Eranga Jayawardena/Associated Press

Big series win for India

The win means that India won the series 2-1 in what was an impressive all-round display in Colombo.

Ishant Sharma and Ashwin looked especially handy with the ball, while Cheteshwar Pujara’s 145 batting in the first innings was a vital contribution.

India soon will welcome South Africa for a home tour before heading to Australia, so there will be plenty of stern tests to come for this team.

However, their series victory will give them a great deal of confidence, especially as it came away from home.