It was always a matter of time before India walked out of the Pallekele ground, victorious after Sri Lanka conceded a mammoth 333-run lead in the first innings and finished the second day on 19 for 1 after being asked to follow-on.
Not surprisingly, the resistance from the struggling hosts did not last very long as India bowled the Islanders out for a paltry 181 to win the third Test by an innings and 177 runs and seal the three-match series 3-0.
It took India only 15 balls to get the first breakthrough on the third day when Ravichandran Ashwin removed the dangerous Dimuth Karunaratne for 16. Mohammed Shami’s dual strike then left the hosts reeling at 39 for 4 before captain Dinesh Chandimal and his predecessor Angelo Mathews began the rescue work. The duo added 43 runs and helped the team to go to lunch without suffering a further setback.
Pallekele Test: Day 3, at lunch @OfficialSLC are 82-4 following on, Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews are at the crease. #SLvIND
— Sportzwiki (@sportzwiki) August 14, 2017
However, they could not continue the resistance for long as Kuldeep Yadav ended the dangerous looking partnership by dismissing Chandimal for 36 shortly after lunch.
Pallekele Test: Kuldeep Yadav breaks the partnership, Pujara takes a sharp catch at short-leg, Chandimal departs. #SLvIND
— Sportzwiki (@sportzwiki) August 14, 2017
The fate of the match was then very much sealed when Ashwin accounted for Mathews to leave the hots tottering at 118 for 6. 20 runs later, Ashwin struck once again to remove Dilruwan Perera for 8. The tail-enders could not delay the inevitable for long as Sri Lanka was bowled out 181.
Here is how Twitter reacted to India’s win:
Great to be a part of this team, massive team effort for winning this series. Some really special performances, onto the ODIs now. ?✌️ pic.twitter.com/hvgQS7hzUi
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 14, 2017
As easy a series win as is possible to have and that means lots and lots for Sri Lankan cricket to think about.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 14, 2017
Difficult to judge how much India have gained from this series. Think the blooding of Pandya and the opportunity to Kuldeep will be on top
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 14, 2017
I am so impressed with the development of Shami as a genuine fast bowler. Has some serious pace and great technique! #IndvsSL
— Dean Jones AM (@ProfDeano) August 14, 2017
Just what you want from a quality spinner first up. @ashwinravi99. This game could move quickly
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 14, 2017
sri lanka second innings can still beat sri lanka first innings #SLvIND
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) August 14, 2017
69 years after Bradman was dismissed for a duck in his final innings, his reincarnation, Dilruwan Perera holes out for 8.#SLvInd
— Suneer (@suneerchowdhary) August 14, 2017
Sri Lankans ensuring that Indians get a day off for their national holiday tomorrow. Such gracious hosts. #SLvInd
— cricBC (@cricBC) August 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/KarikadaiBoy/status/897006027547189250
If India gets next 4 wickets within 15 runs, I think Kohli should ask SL to follow-on again just for fun. #slvind
— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) August 14, 2017
It gives no cricket lover any joy to see the shambles that is Sri Lankan men's cricket today. Hope they turn things around quickly. #SLvIND
— Rahul Bose (@RahulBose1) August 14, 2017
Indian team has reduced Sri Lanka to less than what it is in the international map – A drop in the ocean
— Ra_Bies 2.0 (@Ra_Bies) August 14, 2017
sri lanka have already lost their second innings specialist and their specialist nightwatchman #SLvIND
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) August 14, 2017
What a fabulous way to end the test series! A big hug to the entire team for their outstanding performance. Good luck for the ODI series! pic.twitter.com/HaXfI7dPwo
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 14, 2017