In a match that will be remembered for its intense competition and dramatic turnarounds, Sri Lanka emerged victorious against India in the second ODI of the Sri Lanka vs India 2nd ODI 2024 series at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The home team clinched a crucial win by 32 runs, marking their first ODI victory against India in three years and securing an unassailable 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Sri Lanka’s Innings: Steady Start and a Late Surge
Sri Lanka chose to bat first after winning the toss, but their decision initially appeared questionable.Pathum Nissanka fell on the first delivery, caught by KL Rahul off Mohammed Siraj, leaving Sri Lanka at 0/1. However, Avishka Fernando (40 off 62) and Kusal Mendis (30 off 42) stabilized the innings with a 74-run partnership. Despite their efforts, Sri Lanka’s middle order struggled, with Sadeera Samarawickrama (14 off 31) and Charith Asalanka (25 off 42) falling cheaply.
The innings took a positive turn with significant contributions from Dunith Wellalage (39 off 35) and Kamindu Mendis (40 off 44). Their partnership of 71 runs for the seventh wicket and a quick 32-run stand for the eighth wicket with Akila Dananjaya (15 off 13) were pivotal. Jeffrey Vandersay, batting at number ten, added a crucial single run, ensuring Sri Lanka reached a respectable total of 240/9 in their 50 overs.
India’s Bowling Performance: Mixed Success
India’s bowlers had a mixed day on the field. Washington Sundar was the standout performer, claiming 3 wickets for 30 runs in his 10 overs. Kuldeep Yadav also impressed, taking 2 wickets for 33 runs. Mohammed Siraj (1/43) and Axar Patel (1/38) provided crucial breakthroughs, but the Indian attack struggled to contain Sri Lanka’s lower order. Arshdeep Singh, although economical with 58 runs in 9 overs, failed to claim any wickets.
India’s Chase: A Promising Start Followed by Collapse
Chasing 241, India got off to a strong start with captain Rohit Sharma leading the charge. Sharma scored a quick 64 off 44 balls, featuring 5 fours and 4 sixes. Shubman Gill supported well with 35 off 44 balls, and their 97-run opening partnership set a solid foundation. However, the introduction of Jeffrey Vandersay changed the game’s dynamics in the Sri Lanka vs India 2nd ODI 2024.
Vandersay, stepping up in the absence of ace spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, delivered a match-winning performance with figures of 6/33 in his 10 overs. He dismantled India’s top and middle order, dismissing key players like Virat Kohli (14 off 19) and KL Rahul (0 off 2). India slumped from a commanding position to 116/3 and continued to lose wickets at regular intervals.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling: Vandersay’s Heroics and Asalanka’s Support
Jeffrey Vandersay’s spell was a masterclass in leg-spin bowling, exploiting the pitch’s turn and bounce to bamboozle the Indian batsmen. His figures of 10-0-33-6 were instrumental in restricting India to 208 in 42.2 overs. Charith Asalanka provided excellent support, claiming 3 wickets for 20 runs in 6.2 overs, including the crucial wickets of Axar Patel (44 off 44) and Washington Sundar (15 off 40).
Key Moments and Turning Points
Several key moments defined the match. Sri Lanka’s recovery from 136/6 to post 240 was a turning point, with Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis’ partnership being crucial. Vandersay’s dismissal of Rohit Sharma at 97/1 initiated India’s collapse. Asalanka’s crucial wickets and Vandersay’s relentless pressure ensured Sri Lanka maintained control in the Sri Lanka vs India 2nd ODI 2024.
Player of the Match: Jeffrey Vandersay
Unsurprisingly, Jeffrey Vandersay was named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance. Reflecting on his achievement, Vandersay acknowledged the pressure of filling Hasaranga’s shoes and credited his teammates for their support. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and thanked the Sri Lankan fans for their unwavering support.
Captains’ Reflections
Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka praised his team’s resilience and Vandersay’s exceptional spell. He noted the importance of early breakthroughs and highlighted the contributions of Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis. Asalanka emphasized the significance of the win, marking it as a crucial step forward for Sri Lankan cricket:
“It was good enough. It’s good to have Vandersay in the side again and it was an unbelievable spell from him. I am happy to bowl a few overs for my side.”
Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed disappointment over the loss, acknowledging the need for consistency and better adaptation to match conditions. He praised Vandersay’s performance but stressed the importance of learning from the defeat and improving in the final ODI:
“When you lose a game, everything hurts and you need to play consistent cricket in order to win and we failed to do that today. You need to adapt to what’s in front and keep the left-right combination as it would be easy to rotate but Jeffrey Vandersay bowled well and the opposition was better than us.”
Looking Ahead: The Series Decider
With Sri Lanka leading the series 1-0, the final ODI on August 7 promises to be a thrilling encounter. India will be keen to bounce back and salvage a draw, while Sri Lanka will aim to secure a series win. Fans can expect another closely contested match as both teams prepare to give their best.
The second ODI between Sri Lanka and India was a testament to the unpredictable and exciting nature of cricket. Sri Lanka’s resilience, combined with Jeffrey Vandersay’s match-winning spell, secured a memorable victory. As both teams gear up for the final ODI, cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await another thrilling chapter in this closely fought-series.
Watch the Full Scorecard of the Match Here.
