In a dramatic and intense showdown, Sri Lanka triumphed over India by 32 runs in the second ODI, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The pivotal moment of the match occurred when Arshdeep Singh’s run-out for the final wicket shattered India’s hopes of clinching the game. This defeat marked the end of India’s 19-year-long dominance over Sri Lanka in bilateral series.
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A Promising Start Crumbles
The game began with Sri Lanka winning the toss and opting to bat. Despite a commendable bowling performance by India, restricting Sri Lanka to 240/9 in their 50 overs, it was the Indian batting collapse that stole the limelight. Washington Sundar (3/30) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/33) were the pick of the bowlers for India, supported by contributions from Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel, who each took a wicket.
India’s chase started promisingly with captain Rohit Sharma leading the charge. Rohit scored a swift 66 off 44 balls, featuring five fours and four sixes, building a solid 97-run opening partnership with Shubman Gill (35 off 44 balls). The stage was set for India to seal the game, but a catastrophic middle-order collapse, triggered by Jeffrey Vandersay’s spell (6/33), turned the tide in Sri Lanka’s favour.
Middle-Order Collapse
India’s middle-order woes were evident as they struggled to cope with the pressure. Despite a valiant effort by Axar Patel, who scored 44 off 44 balls, the Indian innings faltered. Vandersay’s brilliant bowling dismantled the Indian batting lineup, reducing them to 147/6, and from there, the situation only worsened.
The Run-Out That Changed Everything
With 40 runs needed off the final 8 overs and just two wickets in hand, the pressure was mounting. Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav were at the crease, trying to steer India to victory. However, in a moment of poor judgment, Arshdeep called for a risky single after Kuldeep got an inside edge off Charith Asalanka’s delivery. The slip fielder quickly collected the ball and made an accurate throw to run out Arshdeep, ending India’s hopes.
Arshdeep’s run-out was a critical error, and his misjudgment became the talking point of the match. The Indian tailenders couldn’t hold their nerve, and the team was bowled out for 208 runs in 42.2 overs, falling 32 runs short of the target.
Sri Lanka’s Strategic Brilliance
Sri Lanka’s victory was a result of strategic brilliance and exceptional performances. Avishka Fernando (40 off 62 balls), Kamindu Mendis (40 off 44 balls), and Dunith Wellalage (39 off 35 balls) contributed significantly to the team’s total. Charith Asalanka, who bowled a crucial spell, taking 3 wickets for 20 runs, played a pivotal role in containing the Indian batsmen.
This win was particularly significant for Sri Lanka as it ended India’s 11 consecutive bilateral series wins against them in the 50-over format. The last time Sri Lanka had managed to avoid a series loss against India was in December 1997, making this victory a historic moment for the island nation.