In a thrilling encounter at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka managed to pull off a gritty recovery to compile a competitive total of 240/9 in the 150th One Day International (ODI) at the iconic venue. The recovery was spearheaded by an impressive 72-run stand for the seventh wicket between Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis, bailing Sri Lanka out from a precarious 136/6. The slow, low pitch presented challenging conditions for batting, making their effort all the more commendable.
Introduced at a time when Sri Lanka were in a precarious position, Wellalage and Mendis demonstrated commendable resilience and skill. Batting at Nos. 7 and 8 respectively, the pair showed patience and determination against a formidable Indian bowling attack. Washington Sundar, one of the standout bowlers for India, ended with impressive figures of 3 for 30, but not before Wellalage and Mendis had staged their crucial fightback.
The drama began right from the first ball of the match when in-form opener Pathum Nissanka was dismissed by Mohammed Siraj’s outswinger, setting a challenging tone for the hosts. However, Avishka Fernando (40) and Kusal Mendis (30) began the process of stabilization with a 74-run partnership for the second wicket. This cautious partnership was necessary on a surface that offered early assistance to the bowlers, particularly to Siraj, who had an impactful five-over opening spell.
The introduction of spin further complicated matters for the batsmen. Washington Sundar, with his sharp turn and control, managed to break the growing partnership, capturing a leading edge from Fernando that resulted in a straightforward return catch. Sundar maintained his pressure on the Sri Lankan batsmen, soon bagging the wicket of Kusal Mendis to leave Sri Lanka vulnerable once more.
It didn’t get easier for the Sri Lankan middle order. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka found the going tough against the Indian spinners.
. Samarawickrama, desperate to break the shackles, mistimed a slog against Axar Patel, resulting in a catch. Asalanka was undone by a turning, bouncing delivery, contributing to India’s stranglehold on the game. Kuldeep Yadav, introduced only in the 20th over, proved effective as well, delivering a miserly spell before claiming the wicket of Janith Liyanage.
At 136/6 after 35 overs, Sri Lanka’s prospects looked grim. However, Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis began to turn the tide. Mendis, dropped on 11 by Shivam Dube, capitalized on the reprieve to put pressure back on the Indian bowlers. Wellalage took his time to settle but once he found his rhythm, he played some delightful shots, including a four and a six off Axar Patel in the 44th over and another six off Siraj in the following over.
Wellalage’s enterprising knock came to an end when he was caught by Dube at short third man, but his efforts had already inflicted damage on the Indian bowling lineup. Kamindu Mendis continued the fight, managing to contribute crucial runs before being run out off the penultimate ball of the innings, thanks to a sharp fielding effort from Shreyas Iyer.
The final 10 overs saw Sri Lanka amass 79 runs, with contributions from both Mendis and Akila Dananjaya, who managed a few boundaries to push the total past 200. The seamers, who bowled 19 overs for 111/1, saw their efforts somewhat negated by the brilliant showing of the spinners who collectively accounted for 112/6 in their 31 overs.
With a target of 241, India was set for a challenging chase. Having failed to chase down 231 in their previous encounter, the additional 10 runs on a slower pitch would certainly test their batting lineup.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 240/9 (Kamindu Mendis 40, Avishka Fernando 40, Dunith Wellalage 39; Washington Sundar 3-30, Kuldeep Yadav 2-33) vs India.