Jeffrey Vandersay's heroic 6-wicket haul against the Indian cricket team helped Charith Asalanka's Sri Lanka win the 2nd ODI of the three-match series by 32 runs. The match was being played at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, on August 4 (Sunday). The hosts are now leading the series 1-0 and have the opportunity to upset India by winning the third game as well. It was a stunning performance from the Lankan Lions and the hero of this victory was none other than returning Vandersay, who was also awarded with the Player of the Match award.
Vanderday on his performance
The spinner joined the side as a replacement for injured Wanindu Hasaranga and he proved himself with his match-winning spell. He became the first spinner to take the first six wickets of an opposition team's batting order in the 50-over format. He also became the second-only wrist spinner after Saqlain Mushtaq to pick up a five-wicket haul against India in the ODI format.
“There was a lot of pressure coming into the side. I am coming out of a layoff. I had to do something and it is easier to take credit. I want to give credit to the batters as well. They put on 240 runs and that helped me to bowl in good areas. Hasaranga is out No. 1 spinner. I got to understand the atmosphere of the team and team balance. I have to keep pushing myself. There was assistance in the wicket, I was trying to hit the good areas. Once I got my first wicket, that built up my confidence. Fortunately, I was able to take six wickets,” said Vandersay in the post-match presentation.
India eye to save series
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first. They scored 240/9 but it turned out enough for the Men in Blue side as they got out on the paltry score of 208 runs. With this loss, India's streak of 11 consecutive bilateral series (2+ matches) wins in ODIs against Sri Lanka has come to an end. The last time the Men in Blue failed to win a bilateral rubber against Sri Lanka was back in December 1997. India can not win this series anymore but they will try to draw it 1-1 by making a comeback in the third and final game which will be played at the same venue on 7 August.
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