With the help of leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay’s six-wicket haul, Sri Lanka defeated India in the second ODI in Colombo.
Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay’s stunning six-wicket haul overshadowed Rohit Sharma’s fierce fifty, leading Sri Lanka to a thrilling 32-run victory over India in the second ODI in Colombo on Sunday.
With this win, Sri Lanka leads the three-match series 1-0, as the first match ended in a tie. India, chasing a target of 241 on a spin-friendly pitch, were bowled out for 208 in 42.2 overs, thanks to Vandersay’s impressive figures of six for 33.
Also Read:- Anshuman Gaekwad, Former Indian Cricketer and Coach, Dies at 71
Rohit Sharma’s presence at the crease initially offered hope for India as he dominated the Sri Lankan bowlers, scoring a quick 64 off 44 balls, including five fours and four sixes. Alongside Shubman Gill, who contributed 35 runs off 44 balls, India raced to 97 in just 13.3 overs. However, Rohit’s dismissal, caught by a diving Pathum Nissanka off Vandersay, triggered a collapse.
India’s promising position at 97 for one quickly deteriorated to 116 for two, and then 116 for three within a few balls. Vandersay continued his demolition, reducing India to 123 for four, 133 for five, and finally 147 for six, taking six wickets for 50 runs in just 10 overs.
Gill, Shivam Dube, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer all fell to Vandersay’s varied deliveries, unable to counter his spin effectively.
KL Rahul was dismissed after only two balls, dragging Vandersay’s delivery onto his stumps. Axar Patel (44 off 44 balls) and Washington Sundar provided a brief resistance, adding 38 runs for the seventh wicket. Axar attacked Charith Asalanka, hitting a six and two fours in one over, but his efforts ended when he returned a catch to Asalanka, sealing India’s fate.
Earlier, Indian spinners led by Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav had tested the Sri Lankan batters, restricting them to 240 for nine. Washington took three wickets for 30 runs, and Kuldeep claimed two for 33. Despite the pressure, Sri Lanka found crucial runs from their lower order, with Dunith Wellalage (39) and Kamindu Mendis (40) adding 72 runs for the seventh wicket.
Also Read:- Manu Bhaker Wins Historic Bronze in 10m Air Pistol at Paris 2024 Olympics
Mohammed Siraj made an early breakthrough, dismissing Pathum Nissanka, but Avishka Fernando (40 off 62 balls) and Kusal Mendis (30 off 42 balls) steadied the innings, adding 74 runs for the second wicket. As spinners took charge, the run rate slowed, and wickets began to fall. Washington and Axar Patel kept the batsmen in check, but Wellalage and Kamindu provided a late surge.
Despite Wellalage’s dismissal by Kuldeep, Kamindu continued to play aggressively, even after being dropped on nine by Dube. Sri Lanka’s late effort, scoring 44 runs in the last five overs, ultimately proved vital in setting a challenging target for India.