SL vs IND: 2nd ODI Review – Jeffrey Vandersay stuns India as hosts take a lead
A couple of days after the dramatic tie in the first ODI, anticipation was high for the second match at the R. Premadasa Stadium, with everyone eager to see how the teams would rebound.
Sri Lanka won the toss again and chose to bat first. India got off to a perfect start as Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for a golden duck by a late-swinging delivery by Mohammed Siraj. Sri Lanka seemed to be progressing until a soft dismissal by Washington Sundar disrupted their momentum, as Avishka Fernando lobbed a catch back to the bowler. Sundar then dismissed the well-set Kusal Mendis with a ball that sneaked under the bat to trap him lbw.
The next three batters, including skipper Charith Asalanka, got starts but failed to capitalize, leaving Sri Lanka at 136/6 in the 35th over. A crucial 72-run stand between Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis revived the innings while Akila Dananjaya’s 15 runs at the end helped Sri Lanka reach 240.
The pacers, including all-rounder Shivam Dube, were expensive and managed only one wicket. The spinners, however, conceded just 101 runs in 31 overs and took six wickets, including a couple of overs from Rohit Sharma. After being the most expensive spinner in the first game, Sundar made a strong comeback, conceding just 30 runs in his quota and picking up three wickets.
India, led by Rohit Sharma’s imperious innings, within the powerplay, seemed in control of the situation even as Shubman Gill once again played a subdued role. However, the spotlight shifted to Jeffrey Vandersay as he wreaked havoc by dismissing Rohit and the subsequent four batters in successive overs, culminating in his maiden five-wicket haul on his return to the side after a retracted hiatus.
The composed Sundar and the aggressive Axar appeared to be on track to guide India to victory, yet fate had other plans. Asalanka’s golden touch proved pivotal as he removed both, plunging the Indian camp into absolute disarray. The final act unfolded with Kuldeep Yadav, despite his steadfast resistance with the bat, falling victim to a run-out. Sri Lanka clinched a well-deserved 32-run triumph, taking a 1-0 lead in the series with one match remaining.
Top Performers of the Match
Best Batter – Rohit Sharma (64 off 44)
Despite ending up on the losing side, Rohit Sharma once again exhibited a formidable presence on the field with his scintillating innings. He provided his team with a blistering start, ruthlessly dismantling the Sri Lankan bowlers during the powerplay. Rohit amassed a commanding half-century, punctuated by five boundaries and four sixes.
Best Bowler – Jeffrey Vandersay (6/33 in 10 overs)
Few, if any, would have anticipated that Vandersay – whose opportunities have been sporadic and who was making his first international appearance in over six months – would emerge to wreak such havoc. His performance was nothing short of a revelation, as he methodically dismantled India’s batting lineup, claiming the entire top and middle order.
What’s next for both teams?
India and Sri Lanka are set to clash in the third and final encounter of the white-ball series at the same venue on August 7, 2024.
