The three-match ODI series between Team India and the hosts began at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, following their T20I series whitewash over Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka called the coin right, and his team was asked to bat first. However, the home team lost their opener, Avishka Fernando, early in the innings.
The early breakthrough seemed to rattle the batting lineup of Sri Lanka as the middle order failed to knit any substantial partnerships with wickets falling at regular intervals. Pathum Nissanka was the torchbearer of resistance, holding up one end and trying to stitch together the innings. He fell in the 27th over to Washington Sundar, and it was at that stage that a possible collapse and below-par total seemed on cards for Sri Lanka.
But the lower order showed commendable grit and determination. Dunith Wellalage was at the other end and kept fighting. Janith Liyanage and Wanindu Hasaranga gave him some support. Hasaranga, more than anybody else, looked set for a big one.
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He made some effective contributions with two sixes and a boundary and also shared 36 runs off 52 balls with Wellalage. His seemed to be the innings that would take Sri Lanka towards a par score.
— Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (@Hanji_CricDekho) August 2, 2024
Liyanage was not out, even the umpire didn’t give it out but he himself walked back 😂#INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/9B3J3ohgHi
— CricWatcher (@CricWatcher11) August 2, 2024
However, Wanindu Hasaranga’s promising knock came to an untimely end in the 43rd over. Facing Arshdeep Singh, he flicked an ambitious cut shot off a short, wide delivery. The ball soared in the air and was comfortably caught by Axar Patel at backward point. That was a real turning point because if Hasaranga were there, his presence could have added an extra 30-40 runs to the total.
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It was a big wicket in the context of the game, as it completely took away the momentum from the Sri Lankans; they never recovered to set a big target. The Indian bowlers made good use of the breakthrough, tightening the noose on the game and keeping the hosts on the mat.
