Sri Lanka secured a memorable 32-run victory over India in a gripping One Day International (ODI) at the R Premadasa Stadium. This encounter marked a significant moment for Sri Lanka, achieving their first ODI win against India since July 2021. The match was characterised by exceptional performances from both sides, but it was Sri Lanka’s spinners who ultimately swung the game in their favour.
Sri Lanka’s Resilient Batting Display
Winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to bat first on a pitch that offered considerable assistance to the spinners. The surface provided grip and turn, making life difficult for the batters. Despite these challenging conditions, Sri Lanka managed to post a competitive total of 240 for 9. Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis played crucial innings, each scoring 40, but it was Dunith Wellalage who stood out with an unbeaten 67 off 80 balls. His innings was pivotal, helping Sri Lanka recover from a precarious position of 136 for 6.
India’s bowlers, particularly Washington Sundar (3-30) and Kuldeep Yadav (2-33), were effective in exploiting the conditions. Sundar’s spell included back-to-back wicket maidens, stalling Sri Lanka’s progress in the middle overs. However, Wellalage’s aggressive approach in the latter stages, combined with Kamindu’s smart batting, ensured Sri Lanka set a challenging target.
Rohit Sharma’s Brilliance and India’s Collapse
India’s chase began in spectacular fashion, led by captain Rohit Sharma. Demonstrating his class and experience, Rohit scored a rapid 64 off just 43 balls, propelling India to a strong start. His half-century came off a mere 29 balls, including a six over cover off Kamindu Mendis. At 97 for no loss, India appeared to be cruising towards the target.
However, the introduction of Jeffrey Vandersay turned the match on its head. Brought into the squad as a late replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga, Vandersay delivered a career-defining performance. His leg-spin bamboozled the Indian batters, resulting in figures of 6 for 33. In a devastating spell, he dismissed key players including Rohit, Shubman Gill, Shivam Dube, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul. India went from 97 for no loss to 147 for 6, finding themselves in deep trouble.
Sri Lanka’s Spin Dominance
Sri Lanka’s decision to field a spin-heavy attack paid off handsomely. In addition to Vandersay, Charith Asalanka’s part-time off-spin proved crucial. Asalanka, who had previously taken three wickets in the tied ODI, struck again by removing Axar Patel and Washington Sundar in successive overs. His figures of 3 for 20 further dismantled India’s lower order, leaving them 56 runs short of the target.
India’s attempt to rebuild through Axar and Washington offered a glimmer of hope. The pair put on a 38-run stand for the seventh wicket, but Asalanka’s timely breakthroughs ensured there would be no miraculous recovery. India’s innings eventually folded for 208, with Vandersay and Asalanka sharing the spoils.
Match Reflections
Sri Lanka’s victory was built on a combination of resilient batting and incisive spin bowling. Wellalage’s innings was a masterclass in adapting to difficult conditions, while Vandersay’s spell was a testament to the impact a quality leg-spinner can have on a turning track. For India, the early promise shown by Rohit Sharma’s innings was undone by a middle-order collapse that highlighted their vulnerability against spin.
Reflecting on the match, Rohit Sharma acknowledged the disappointment of falling short despite a strong start. “The score was gettable, just that you had to bat well to get there,” he remarked. “We batted well in patches. It’s disappointing to not get one run but we won’t read into it too much. I’m proud of how we fought, but we should have got that one run.”
Looking Ahead
With the series now level, both teams will look to make adjustments ahead of the deciding ODI. For Sri Lanka, the challenge will be to maintain the momentum and continue their effective use of spin. India, on the other hand, will need to address their issues against quality spin bowling and ensure a more consistent batting performance.
The final match promises to be another intriguing contest, with both sides eager to clinch the series. As the teams prepare for the next battle, the lessons learned from this match will be crucial in determining the eventual victor.
