Batting first, Sri Lanka set India a target of 216 runs in the second ODI of 3 match series which India managed to reach 219/6 with 40 balls remaining, resulting in a series victory for the team blues after an embarrassing series defeat against Bangladesh last month.
Winning the toss, Sri Lanka decided to bat first as the skipper, Dasun Shanaka thought that the pitch looked very good to bat first and mentioned the previous venue stats. He was eying to the series level and his main idea was to play the natural game.
The openers listened to their captain and played some eye-catching boundaries against the speed trio. In the first 17 overs, the Lankans scored 102 runs, losing only one wicket, of Avishka Fernando.
Losing the second wicket at 102, Sri Lanka started crumbling again as they lost their six wickets for 50 runs. Kuldeep started the party with Kushal Mendis, and Axar Patel and Umran gave him company.
The whole scenario was frustrating for the supporters as well as the team members. Though it wasn’t the first time. They had faced the same in the first ODI of this series.
The lower order tried to push the score up but in the end, it turned inadequate against a strong batting line-up. From our experts’ views, the toss played a vital role in this collapse. Sri Lanka took the wrong decision of batting first.
The credit also should go to Indian bowlers for their patience and proper execution of their homework. Kuldeep fulfilled his 10-over quota with 3 for 51. Mohammad Siraj was excellent with the new ball, taking 3 for 30 and Umran bagged 2 wickets.
In response, India couldn’t start the way as promising as other days. They jolted a little early. Two openers, Rohit Sharma had been dismissed only for 17 runs and Shubman Gill could manage 21 runs.
There was a certain time it seemed Sri Lanka had a shot when Lahiru bowled off Virat with an inside edge and Rajitha legged before Iyer who was looking solid. The Sri Lankan bowlers came out with a lot of energy and kept the Indian batters on their toes.
Despite a little bit of crumble, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya managed to muster 75 runs together. Those slow and steady efforts helped India secure the base.
Finally, a late and crucial knock from Axar Patel as well as KL Rahul, unbeaten for 64 runs seals the chase. India won by 4 wickets and lead the 3-match series 2-0 against Sri Lanka at home.