SL vs IND, 2nd ODI: After Sri Lanka set a target of 240 runs, India began their chase strongly in the second ODI at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Captain Rohit Sharma spearheaded the innings with a swift 64 from 44 balls, complemented by Shubman Gill’s 35 off 44. However, their dismissals led to a dramatic collapse for the Men in Blue, largely attributed to Jeffrey Vandersay’s outstanding bowling.
Consequently, the host secured a 32-run victory as India was all out for 208 in 42.2 overs. Sri Lanka now leads the three-match series 1-0, with the opening match ending in a draw.
Vandersay claimed the wickets of both Indian openers and continued his haul with Virat Kohli (14 off 19), Shivam Dube (0 off 4), Shreyas Iyer (7 off 9), and KL Rahul (0 off 2). Axar Patel was the only other batsman to make a notable score, with 44 off 44, attempting to anchor the innings with Washington Sundar (15 off 40). Vandersay, along with Charith Asalanka who also took three wickets, inflicted the most damage on the visitors.
Earlier, after electing to bat first, Sri Lanka lost Pathum Nissanka for a duck on the opening delivery. Contributions from Avishka Fernando (40 off 62), Kusal Mendis (30 off 42), Sadeera Samarawickrama (14 off 31), Asalanka (25 off 42), Janith Liyanage (12 off 29), Dunith Wellalage (39 off 35), Kamindu Mendis (40 off 44), and Akila Dananjaya (15 off 13) led to their total.
Washington Sundar was the pick of the Indian bowlers with 3 for 30, and Kuldeep Yadav also impressed with 2 for 33.
This game was the 150th ODI hosted by Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, which becomes the fifth venue worldwide to reach this milestone, following Sharjah (249), Harare Sports Club (182), Sydney Cricket Ground (161), and Melbourne Cricket Ground (151).
