In a thrilling second ODI match at the R Premadasa Stadium, Sri Lanka stunned India by securing a 32-run victory, thanks to an exceptional performance by Jeffrey Vandersay. The leg-spinner’s career-best figures of 6/33 dismantled the Indian batting lineup, handing Sri Lanka their first ODI win over India in three years.
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Match Highlights
India, chasing a target of 241, crumbled under pressure and were all out for 208. Despite a promising start by the Indian openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, the middle-order collapse led to a disappointing finish. Sharma’s aggressive 50 off 36 balls went in vain as Vandersay’s spell turned the tide in favor of the hosts.
Key Moments
- Vandersay’s Magic: Jeffrey Vandersay’s six-wicket haul was the highlight of the match. His ability to extract turn and bounce from the pitch troubled the Indian batsmen throughout their innings.
- Middle-Order Muddle: India’s middle-order failed to build on the foundation laid by the openers, with key players like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul falling cheaply.
- Rohit’s Blistering Knock: Rohit Sharma’s quick fifty gave India a solid start, but his dismissal triggered a collapse that the team couldn’t recover from.
Reactions
After the match, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma expressed his disappointment, particularly with the batting collapse. “We need to understand why we are losing wickets in clusters. It’s happened twice in a row now, and we need to address it before the final ODI,” Sharma said.
Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka praised Vandersay’s performance, stating, “Jeffrey was outstanding today. His spell was a game-changer, and it’s great to see him perform at this level.”
Controversies and Insights
The match wasn’t without its share of controversies. Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir criticized the umpires for a breach of ICC rules that went unnoticed, leaving India in a must-win situation for the final ODI.
Next Steps
With Sri Lanka leading the three-match series 1-0, the final ODI will be a do-or-die encounter for India. Changes are expected in the Indian lineup, with discussions around bringing Rishabh Pant and debuting Riyan Parag to strengthen the middle order.
Looking Ahead
The final ODI promises to be an exciting battle as India aims to level the series, while Sri Lanka looks to capitalize on their momentum. Fans eagerly await the decisive match, scheduled to take place at the same venue on August 6, 2024.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s victory in the second ODI has set the stage for an exhilarating finale. Jeffrey Vandersay’s stellar performance will be remembered as one of the key moments in Sri Lanka’s cricketing history, showcasing the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the sport.
