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Colombo, Sunday – In a thrilling encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Sri Lanka secured a remarkable 32-run victory over India, driven by an extraordinary performance from leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay. His six-wicket haul for just 33 runs dismantled the Indian batting lineup, giving Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, following a tied opening game.
The match began with Sri Lanka setting a target of 241, a score that seemed modest but proved challenging on a spin-friendly pitch. India’s chase got off to a promising start, thanks to a blistering innings from skipper Rohit Sharma, who scored 64 off 44 balls. His innings, featuring five fours and four sixes, alongside Shubman Gill’s steady 35, put India in a commanding position at 97 for one in just 13.3 overs.
However, the turning point came with the dismissal of Sharma, who was caught off a reverse sweep against Vandersay. This wicket sparked a dramatic collapse in the Indian batting order. From a comfortable 97 for one, India crumbled to 147 for six, losing six wickets for just 50 runs within the next 10 overs. Vandersay’s spell proved decisive, as he consistently troubled the Indian batsmen, exploiting the conditions to great effect.
Amidst the chaos, Axar Patel emerged as a glimmer of hope for India. His resilient 44 off 44 balls, including a brief partnership with Washington Sundar, provided some resistance. Patel’s aggressive approach kept India’s slim chances alive, but his dismissal caught off Charith Asalanka’s bowling, effectively sealed India’s fate. The Indian team was bowled out for 208 in 42.2 overs, falling short by 32 runs.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka faced their struggles with the bat. The Indian spinners, particularly Washington Sundar, who finished with impressive figures of 3/30, kept the Sri Lankan batsmen in check. Kuldeep Yadav also contributed significantly, taking 2/33 and applying pressure throughout the innings.
Despite a challenging start and being reduced to 136 for six, Sri Lanka found a savior in the form of a crucial 72-run partnership between Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis. Their partnership revived the innings and provided the hosts with a competitive total. Wellalage’s composed 39 and Mendis’s 44 played a pivotal role in pushing the score to 240 for nine. Some late-order hitting added crucial runs, giving Sri Lanka a fighting chance on a tricky pitch.
The match highlighted the importance of spin bowling on subcontinental pitches, with Vandersay’s performance being the standout. His ability to control the game and pick up key wickets at crucial junctures proved to be the difference between the two sides. India’s batting, despite showing glimpses of brilliance, lacked the depth and resilience needed to chase down the target, particularly against quality spin.
Sri Lanka’s victory not only gave them a lead in the series but also demonstrated their ability to compete against a strong Indian side. The third and final ODI promises to be an exciting decider, with both teams eager to claim the series victory. For India, the challenge will be to regroup and address their vulnerabilities against spin, while Sri Lanka will aim to build on their momentum and secure a series win.
