The second ODI between Sri Lanka and India at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on August 4, 2024, once again saw Virat Kohli in the thick of things with another stunning piece of fielding. Having won the toss, Sri Lanka has chosen to bat first against India, who fielded the same team as the previous game, looking to stamp their authority early.
It was a sensational start to the game for India as Mohammed Siraj struck with the very first ball of the Sri Lankan innings, sending back dangerous Pathum Nissanka. The opening breakthrough was followed by Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando bringing about stability into the innings with a solid 74-run stand for the second wicket. But it was Washington Sundar who made the difference as he struck twice in quick succession, removing both Mendis and Fernando.
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Further breakthroughs arrived in the form of Akshar Patel sending back Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kuldeep Yadav getting rid of Janith Liyanage. Sundar returned to get the big wicket of Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka, who made 25 runs.
Despite these blows, Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis rallied in the final overs, putting up a partnership of 79 and taking Sri Lanka to a total of 240/9 at the end of their innings. It spilled over to the last ball of the Lankan innings when Jeffrey Vandersay smacked the ball towards mid-off.
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Rohit Sharma, who was attempting a direct hit to the non-striker’s end, missed his mark as the ball veered towards mid-on. Akila Dhananjaya looked to make the most of it and take a second run but Virat Kohli had other ideas. Virat Kohli fielded the ball quickly and sent a perfect throw, racing towards the stumps at the batting end. His accurate throw saw him remove the bails just before Dhananjaya reached the crease.
Run out by Virat Kohli 🔥
Captain appreciating the efforts!! #SLvIND #INDvsSLpic.twitter.com/TcYgjgGnj0
— Don Cricket 🏏 (@doncricket_) August 4, 2024
Presence of Mind ft. Virat Kohli 🐐🔥pic.twitter.com/Kj2zu3FLBB
— Vahini🕊️ (@fairytaledustt_) August 4, 2024
This run-out by Kohli was somewhat similar to MS Dhoni’s run-out against Bangladesh in the 2016 T20 World Cup and spoke volumes of Kohli’s brilliance as a fielder, with his excellent fielding and sharp reflexes.
