Sri Lanka clinched a significant victory in the 2nd ODI, triumphing over Bangladesh by three wickets at Chattogram. Skipper Kusal Mendis, once again winning the toss, demonstrated his strategic prowess by making a correct decision, unlike the first match.
The match started with Sri Lanka’s skipper, Kusal Mendis, inviting Bangladesh to bat without hesitation. Dilshan Madushanka, as usual, bawled the first over and secured the first wicket for Sri Lanka.
Lucky Santo
In the next over, Pathum Nissanka missed the chance to catch Bangladesh skipper Santo at first slip. It was a disappointing moment for Promod Madushan and the Sri Lankan team. However, it was not an exciting incident either.
In the same over, Santo was caught by Kusal Mendis behind the wicket. Nobody thought it was a catch, not even Kusal Mendis or Madushan, the bowler. It was surprising how they both made such a mistake.
Unbelievably, the ultra-edge technology showed clear evidence of a catch with a few spikes, and Kusal held onto the catch tightly.
As a result, the poor bowler Madushan lost his momentum and was disappointed as he missed his first wicket of the match.
Always smiling Santo
Santo’s performance in the game was nothing short of remarkable, as he scored an invaluable 40 runs. Considering his exceptional century in the previous game, it was a stroke of luck.
However, Santo’s modest demeanour and warm personality remained unchanged. He is a man of gentle nature, always wearing a smile that radiates positivity.
Linton Das is afraid of Madushanka
Bangladesh’s opening batter, Linton Das, was trapped by Dilshan Madushanka, like in the last match. However, this time, he made a straight catch to wellalage at mid-wicket.
Despite the first wicket falling, the Bangladeshi batters performed well, with Saumaya Sarkar scoring 68 runs and Tawfiq Hridoy remaining unbeaten at 96.
Hridoy built a partnership with the middle-order batters and tail-enders to help Bangladesh reach a total of 286 runs with the loss of 7 wickets.
Vanidu takes wickets again
Wanidu Hasaranga was exceptional with the ball for Sri Lanka and secured four wickets for 45 runs. Maheesh Theekshana did not participate in today’s match and was replaced by spinner Dunith Vellalage.
However, Vellalage proved expensive and gave away 47 runs in his ten overs, but unfortunately, he couldn’t take any wickets.
Pramodh Madushan had an unfortunate day with the ball, as he missed two substantial opportunities in the first over and appeared to lack confidence throughout the game. He conceded 72 runs to the opposing team but took one wicket.
The Bangladesh coach is from Sri Lanka
The Bangladesh cricket team’s strategic planning and tactical execution during matches are impressive. The team management and head coach have nurtured a playing style characterised by rhythmic control, resulting in successful outcomes.
The team’s coach, Chandika Hathurusinghe, hails from Sri Lanka and is a highly skilled and experienced coach. His contributions to the team’s growth and development have been paramount. Under his guidance, the Bangladesh team has transformed into a formidable force, showcasing its strength and prowess on the field.
The target for Sri Lanka is 287
Sri Lanka began their innings with a challenging target of 287 runs. However, their hopes of a good start were quickly dashed when Avishka Fernando, the opening batsman, was dismissed in the very first over.
This has become an all-too-common occurrence for the Sri Lankan team, which has struggled with its opening partnerships in recent times. At the time of Fernando’s dismissal, the team had only managed to score a single run, putting them under immense pressure.
Thankfully, Captain Kusal Mendis stepped up to the challenge and joined Pathum Nissanka at the crease. The pair played patiently and determined, gradually building the Sri Lankan innings.
However, their partnership was short-lived, as Mendis could not stay on the wicket for long and was dismissed after scoring just 16 runs. This was a significant setback for the team, as Mendis is a key player and a vital part of their middle order.
Sri Lanka’s hopes now rested on Sadheera Samarawickrama, who replaced Mendis in the middle. Unfortunately, he, too, failed to make an impact and continued his poor form throughout the series, failing to score any runs today.
With three wickets down and only 43 runs on the board, the Sri Lankan team found themselves in a difficult situation, needing a solid partnership to get back into the game.
Pathum Nissanka, the saviour of Sri Lanka
The Sri Lanka inning was in dire straits, struggling to keep up with the opponent’s score. But then, Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka stepped up to the crease and began to build a partnership, scoring 185 runs in total.
Their partnership was the turning point of the game. It was a sight to behold as they played with grit and determination, determined to lead Sri Lanka to victory.
Pathum Nisanka played a significant role in this partnership, scoring a valuable, restrained and responsible century. He knew the team’s fate rested on his shoulders and played accordingly, focusing on his responsibility to lead the team to victory. His 114 runs were the backbone of Sri Lanka’s innings, giving them the confidence to push forward.
Charith was equally impressive, providing Pathum with the support he needed to keep the score ticking. Unfortunately, his innings came to an end after he scored 91 runs. Nevertheless, his contribution to the partnership was invaluable, and Sri Lanka owes much of their victory to this partnership.
Losing three wickets in a row
Sri Lanka was on the verge of clinching a vital victory, but things took an unexpected turn when they lost three wickets in quick succession.
They had been cruising along, having lost only three wickets for 227 runs, but suddenly, they found themselves in a precarious position when six wickets down for 251 runs on the board. The game was now in the balance, and it was up to Dunith Vellalage and Vanidu Hasaranga to steady the ship with their disciplined batting.
They showed great composure under pressure and played cautiously, eventually leading their team to a hard-fought victory. This win was crucial for the Sri Lankan team, as it helped them draw level in the series with their opponents.
Controversial dew factor
Sri Lanka’s triumph over Bangladesh resulted from the exceptional skill displayed by their players, complemented by the favourable weather conditions.
In their upcoming match, Sri Lanka is expected to capitalise on their experience and avoid repeating the errors made in their previous encounter. The weather is likely to play a critical role, and Sri Lanka hopes to leverage this factor to their advantage.
The dew factor, an essential match element, emerged as a game-changer. It made it challenging for the Bangladeshi bowlers to grip the ball effectively while bowling, leading to a less-than-optimal performance.
Additionally, the dew made it difficult to keep the ball in the field, further compounding the challenges faced by the Bangladeshi team.
The dew factor is a critical aspect that could significantly impact the series’ outcome. The team that wins the toss has a significant advantage, especially considering the disadvantage faced by the team that bats first.
Sri Lanka won the toss in the first two matches, which allowed them to gain a solid foothold. If they win the toss in the upcoming match, it would undoubtedly boost their confidence.
However, the weather is fickle, and relying solely on it is only sometimes reliable. Despite this, the team that wins the toss will likely choose to bowl first, given its advantages.
