SL vs IND: 2nd ODI Review – Talking points from India’s stunning comeback win
In one of the most thrilling comebacks of recent times, India beat Sri Lanka by 3 wickets in the 2nd ODI at Colombo on Tuesday. Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a strong total on the board and even bowled well in the second innings to stall India’s chase. However, Deepak Chahar’s late heroics and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s calmness with the bat sealed the series 2-0 in India’s favour.
Here are the key talking points from India’s epic victory in the 2nd ODI at Colombo:
Charith Asalanka’s impressive half-century
One of the major reasons behind Sri Lanka managing to improve their performance from the previous game, when not even a single batter crossed 50, was Charith Asalanka. He had displayed his instincts during the first game as well.
But in the 2nd ODI, Asalanka went a step ahead and notched up a brilliant half-century as he mixed caution and aggression while tackling the Indian bowlers. His 68-ball 65 included six fours, and a crucial 7th-wicket stand with Chamika Karunaratne, which helped Sri Lanka post a competitive total.
Surya grabs another opportunity
India’s chase was very much unlike the first ODI, where they dominated proceedings. Instead, they were dealt with early blows at the top. But it was Suryakumar Yadav who once again rose the occasion and shone with a brilliant half-century. He struck six fours in his 44-ball 53 and oozed confidence during his entire outing.
Yadav steadied India’s innings after the entire top-order failed, with Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan and Ishan Kishan getting dismissed cheaply. He added 50 runs off 42 balls alongside Manish Pandey but was trapped LBW by Lakshan Sandakan in the 28th over.
Deepak Chahar’s victory-sealing show
Just silently sits in a corner to sip some water post his batting heroics 👌🏻🔝👍🏻
What a knock tonight from Deepak Chahar 🙌🏻 #TeamIndia #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/mWr2DY1zPA
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 20, 2021
India looked down and out at one stage with their chances of winning extremely slim. But a late resurgence from Chahar turned the game on its head and put the Indians in the driver’s seat. Chahar’s unbeaten 69 rightly earned him the Player of the Match award. Earlier with the ball, he had finished with figures of 2/53 in 8 overs.
