IND vs SL 2nd ODI: After reaching 102 for 1 in the 17th over, Sri Lanka’s innings was lost in a breakdown that lost them 6 wickets and 50 runs. The penultimate wicket fell in the 40th over, pushing them up to 215 all thanks to the lower order. But it would rarely be sufficient. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat initially.
India’s run rate was too vigorous and their striking capabilities were too abundant, despite the fact that Sri Lanka’s spinners forced the Indian batsmen to fight hard, eventually restricting them to 86 for 4. A 75-run partnership between Hardik Pandya & KL Rahul over the 5th wicket broke the backbone of the pursuit. Rahul continued, eventually scoring 64 runs off 103 deliveries.
But the bowlers for India were the ones who made this game. By eliminating Kusal Mendis, Kuldeep Yadav set off Sri Lanka’s breakdown. He then removed Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka to conclude with 3 for 51 off his 10 overs. Mohammed Siraj, whose performance had been outstanding with the fresh ball, picked up a few delayed wickets and finished with 3 for 30. 2 promising lower-order efforts were also ended by Umran Malik.
IND vs SL 2nd ODI: Mohammed Siraj’s outstanding bowling garnered him 3 for 30
Nuwanidu Fernando, playing as an opening batsman out of role for Sri Lanka, was the lone player to reach 50 runs. The fact that all but 3 of the 11 reached double digits in this encounter is arguably the greatest criticism of Sri Lanka’s hitters, indicating that the Eden Gardens surface was adequate. However, a significant decline did take place.
More than India‘s special brilliance, Sri Lanka’s inefficiency in this format was what caused the performance to sink. Mendis, who had played well for his run-per-ball score of 34, was struck in the left foot by a Kuldeep delivery at the conclusion of the 17th over after failing to recognize the little turn
IND vs SL 2nd ODI: Kuldeep Yadav takes 3 for 51
Shanaka ended up getting too much further within the alignment and allowed Kuldeep to flip 1 into his cushions and then the wickets. Subsequently, the all-rounders Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, and Chamika Karunaratne were all captured by Axar at backward point, 2 of them from Malik. Dhananjaya de Silva had allowed an Axar Patel arm delivery to tumble with both bat and pad. Asalanka had sent a guiding edge back to Kuldeep.
However, the bottom 3 players had at least contributed something before leaving. Wellalage produced possibly the most competent strokes of the 3, despite being the youngest, scoring 32 off 34 while Hasaranga struck 21 off 17 deliveries and Karunaratne hit 17 off 25 deliveries. They helped Sri Lanka break the 200 mark.
IND vs SL 2nd ODI: Nuwanidu’s 50 gave hope to Sri Lanka’s inning
But with Nuwanidu’s 50, Sri Lanka had at least one favorable thing. Even though he faced 10 clean balls to commence with and just 6 by the conclusion of the initial 20 pitches, Nuwanidu was careful against the fresh ball, fleeing frequently, and guarding frequently, and he seldom showed signs of anxiety.
Nuwanidu found the majority of his runs in 4s as he hit 6 of them. Because he was powerful about the square. There were instances when Sri Lanka had an opportunity to secure a good number against India’s not especially effective pursuit.
India’s top order couldn’t provide much to the victory
Shubman Gill blasted five 4s, four of which went past cover, on his way to 21 in a quick 11-deliveries total. He eventually dismissed after pulling Kumara. Prior to that, Chamika Karunaratne removed Rohit Sharma.
Furthermore, it appeared as though Sri Lanka had a chance when Shreyas Iyer caught ahead by Kasun Rajitha and Virat Kohli dismissed off an interior edging by spin bowler Kumara.
KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya from the middle order took control to seal the game
However, Hardik and Rahul put out any little flames that had gotten started. They played out Sri Lanka‘s spin bowlers in a relaxed, risk-free partnership, selecting singles and doubles into open. The necessary run rate was scarcely significant.
Rahul made sure he stayed at the crease even after Hardik removed with 55 still to win the hunt. Although he hit 6 boundaries, 3 behind square, and 3 in the circle towards mid-off and cover. It was his cautious play and singles close to the stumps that made his performance stand out. Rahul formed a partnership with Axar before joining forces with Kuldeep’s business to pursue his goal.
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