Indian fans who fondly remember the late 1990s and 2000s will recall the painful experiences of Sri Lankan bowlers like Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Ajantha Mendis demolishing the Men in Blue in ODIs. Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay added his name to that list on Sunday, crafting a magical spell of 10-0-33-6 to spin a web around the Indian batting lineup and secure a 32-run victory for his side in the second one-day international at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
Vandersay, a late inclusion after Wanindu Hasaranga was ruled out with a hamstring injury on Saturday, made his first ODI appearance since January. The 34-year-old turned the Indian batters into nervous cats, claiming six of the top seven wickets in his first seven overs. It was a spectacular implosion from the visitors, who had earlier been set ablaze by Rohit Sharma’s (64 off 44 balls) sensational strokeplay in pursuit of 241 runs.
The Indian skipper welcomed Dimuth Wellalage with aggressive cuts and slog-sweeps, showcasing his belligerent mood as he brought up his second half-century of the series. However, the Indian innings crumbled once Rohit was dismissed, caught at point while trying to reverse-sweep Vandersay.
Shubman Gill followed suit, edging the leg-spinner to first slip, where Kamindu Mendis pulled off a breathtaking one-handed catch. In the same over, Shivam Dube was trapped plumb in front. Vandersay’s leg-breaks found their mark on a surface offering grip and turn, putting Sri Lanka firmly in control. He removed Virat Kohli leg-before and completed his maiden five-for by rapping Shreyas Iyer on the pads with a googly.
Rohit’s men plummeted from 97 for no loss to 147 for six in just 9.5 overs, with K.L. Rahul adding to the woes by dragging one onto his stumps. Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka (three for 20) then displayed his own magic, dismissing Axar Patel (44) and Washington Sundar in consecutive overs to seal the game and delight the packed crowd.
Earlier, Sri Lanka, electing to bat first, posted 240 for nine, thanks to crucial contributions from the top and lower order. After losing Pathum Nissanka off the first ball to Mohammed Siraj, Avishka Fernando (40) and Kusal Mendis (32) steadied the ship with a 74-run stand for the second wicket. Washington (three for 30) brought India back into the game, removing the two set-batters in consecutive deliveries across two overs.
From a comfortable 74 for one, Sri Lanka stumbled to 136 for six. However, like in the first game, Dunith Wellalage’s (39 off 35 balls) late charge helped the Lions surpass 200. Wellalage found good support from Kamindu Mendis (40), forging a 72-run alliance for the seventh wicket. This partnership proved crucial, enabling Sri Lanka to finish strongly with 44 runs in the last five overs. Their aggressive finish helped the hosts secure an unassailable 1-0 lead in the series.
