India clinched the series 2-0 after a nail-biting second ODI, edging out Sri Lanka by three wickets. Although the top order struggled to meet the 276-run target, the match turned in India's favor thanks to standout performances from Suryakumar Yadav and Deepak Chahar. Both players reached the milestone of their first fifties, pushing the score to 277/7 in 49.1 overs to seal a dramatic win.
Despite starting from a position of strength, Sri Lanka couldn't close out the game. After electing to bat, they set a challenging target of 275/9, with Charith Asalanka leading the scoring with 65. India's bowling effort was highlighted by Yuzvendra Chahal (3/50) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/54), who kept the scoring in check.
The chase started poorly for India, as quick dismissals of Ishan Kishan and Prithvi Shaw created immediate tension. Even captain Dhawan seemed off his game. While Suryakumar Yadav kept the momentum going with a solid 53, the Indian lineup struggled to read the variations offered by Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga.
With the score at a worrying 193/7, Deepak Chahar and Bhuvneshwar Kumar forged a vital unbeaten 84-run partnership to cross the finish line. Chahar, who had previously struggled with the bat (best score of 12), played an inspired innings, remaining unbeaten on 69 and hitting the winning runs. His all-round contribution, including 2/53 with the ball, earned him the Player of the Match award.
This victory keeps India's incredible streak alive, as they haven't lost an ODI in Sri Lanka since 2012. Furthermore, this marks India's ninth straight bilateral series win over their neighbors. The two teams will meet one last time this Friday for the third and final ODI.