In a thrilling encounter on Sunday, August 4, Sri Lanka managed to break an 18-year-old jinx by securing a 32-run victory against India in the second One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series. This win marked the end of a prolonged period of Indian dominance over Sri Lanka in the ODI format, as it was the first time the Lankan Lions tasted victory against the Men in Blue since July 2021, approximately 1,108 days ago. As it stands, Sri Lanka now leads the series 1-0 after the first match ended in a dramatic tie, and India can only hope to level the contest by winning the third and final ODI set for Wednesday, August 7.
The significance of this victory cannot be overstated. Not since 2006 has India failed to clinch a bilateral ODI series against Sri Lanka. The last time such an event occurred was when all three matches in a series were washed out due to rain, resulting in a 0-0 draw. Rohit Sharma and his team will undoubtedly be looking to maintain India’s 27-year stronghold over Sri Lanka in bilateral ODI series—a streak that began way back in 1997. With the final match looming, the stakes are sky-high for both teams.
As for the nail-biting second match, Sri Lanka, opting to bat first, exhibited a strong showing, particularly from their lower-order batsmen. Despite enduring a precarious position at 136 for 6, the team found salvation through Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis. The pair collaborated seamlessly to craft a vital 72-run partnership for the seventh wicket, lifting the home team to a defendable total of 240 runs in their allotted 50 overs. This gritty performance on a pitch favoring bowlers transformed what seemed like a shaky start into a competitive target for India.
The turning pitch only made the target more daunting for the Indian side, which was further amplified by their failed attempts to chase down 230 runs in the first ODI, which ended in a tie. Yet, India began their chase with a burst of confidence, led by Rohit Sharma’s explosive innings. Sharma managed to hammer a half-century off just 29 balls, setting an electrifying tone for the chase. The opening partnership yielded a robust 97 runs, making India appear to be in control of the match.
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However, the tables turned dramatically once the opening stand was broken. Jeffrey Vandersay emerged as the game-changer for Sri Lanka, weaving a magical spell with the ball. Vandersay was relentless, claiming six of the first Indian wickets to fall. This stunning performance triggered an unexpected collapse in the Indian batting lineup.
From a commanding 97 for no loss, India crumbled to 147 for 6 within a span of just 58 balls. The middle and lower orders faltered against Vandersay’s spin onslaught, and despite some resistance from the lower-order batsmen, the Indian innings folded at 208 runs in the 43rd over. This marked the second consecutive instance in the series where India failed to bat their full quota of overs, having already struggled to chase modest totals in the preceding matches.
The end result leaves India reflecting on two subpar performances where they couldn’t capitalize on strong starts. With concerns mounting over their ability to tackle spin, especially in conditions favoring slow bowlers, the team faces enormous pressure to rectify their shortcomings before the deciding third match.
In related noteworthy performances, Rohit Sharma recently surpassed MS Dhoni in the tally of most ODI runs scored for India, inching closer to Rahul Dravid’s record. Sharma also broke Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record in matches against Sri Lanka. Despite these individual milestones, the team’s collective spirit took a hit after suffering a morale-crushing defeat.
As fans across both nations eagerly await the series decider, the anticipation is palpable. The final match holds not only the promise of riveting cricket but also the potential to rewrite recent cricketing history. A victory for Sri Lanka would conclude a 27-year drought in bilateral ODI series against India, whereas a triumph for India would reinforce their longstanding dominance, ensuring the series ends in a draw. Whatever the outcome, cricket enthusiasts are guaranteed a heart-thumping climax to an already exhilarating series.
