Sri Lanka staged an unforgettable comeback victory against India, clinching the second One Day International (ODI) by 32 runs in Colombo on Sunday, August 4. This triumph marked Sri Lanka’s first ODI win against world number one India in 1,108 days, giving them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Kamindu Mendis and Avishka Fernando were the catalysts in Sri Lanka’s achievement, playing pivotal roles in setting a challenging total of 240, as they batted first at the R Premadasa Stadium. While Mendis and Fernando held the fort with crucial contributions, it was the experienced spinner Jeffrey Vandersay who turned the game on its head. He mesmerized the Indian batting lineup with his six-wicket haul, dismantling them to a total of 208 in 42.2 overs.
India began their chase strongly with captain Rohit Sharma leading from the front. Sharma delivered another swift half-century, giving a semblance of a facile chase for the visitors. At a promising 97/0, a win seemed likely for India, but an unexpected dramatic collapse ensued. Vandersay’s magical spell triggered a thunderous downfall, claiming the first six Indian wickets, a performance now etched in the annals of Sri Lankan cricket history as one of the finest ODI spells.
Recalling the last time Sri Lanka triumphed over India in an ODI, one must go back to July 2021, a game that also took place at this historic venue. Furthermore, the last bilateral series win for Sri Lanka against India dates back to August 1997. This victory has not only reinvigorated the team’s spirits but has also signaled Sri Lanka’s resurgence in the ODI format.
The match displayed commendable grit and resilience from the hosts. Previously, Sri Lanka had suffered a series of losses to India, casting doubts on their ability to compete at such a high level. However, the efforts of Kamindu Mendis and Jeffrey Vandersay reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s potential and capability to challenge top teams.
Beginning the first innings, Kamindu Mendis and Avishka Fernando showcased maturity and patience. Fernando’s well-timed shots and Mendis’s steady approach were instrumental in building a solid foundation. Although India managed to put breaks on their scoring intermittently with wickets, the duo ensured Sri Lanka reached a respectable total.
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When India commenced their run chase, Sharma’s splendid form seemed to be the decider. His aggressive batting and stroke play put the Indian team in a seemingly comfortable position. Nonetheless, the cricketing gods had other plans. Vandersay’s clever variations and focused bowling dismantled India’s lineup. His spell paralyzed the Indian batting order, transforming the game’s dynamics in a short span. From a solid 97/0, India found themselves collapsing to 147/6 as Vandersay ripped through their top and middle order.
The Indian contingent showed signs of nervous energy once Vandersay’s onslaught commenced. Players like Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, known for their composure in crisis, faltered under Vandersay’s relentless pressure. As wickets tumbled, Sri Lankan fielders supported their bowler impeccably, ensuring no loose ends were left in their battle.
This historic match witnessed a larger-than-life spell from Vandersay, who ended with figures that young cricketers can only dream of. His remarkable consistency and precision spelled doom for the India’s batting line-up, which boasted heavyweights from the world of cricket.
As the dust settled and celebrations erupted in Colombo, the focus now shifts to the final match of the series, scheduled for Wednesday. The Indian team, still eyeing their milestone 100th ODI win against Sri Lanka, will look to bounce back and claim the decider. The promised spectacle at the R Premadasa Stadium sets the stage for another thrilling encounter between these arch-rivals.
The playing XIs were as follows:
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando.
The world of cricket eagerly anticipates the final showdown of the series. Depending on the outcome, Sri Lanka might script another chapter in their cricketing comeback narrative, whereas India will strive to assert their dominance and achieve their record win. More to follow as the series unfolds.
