Sri Lanka’s Jeffrey Vandersay emerged as the hero in the second ODI against India, leading his team to a remarkable 32-run victory in Colombo. Vandersay’s exceptional six-wicket haul for just 33 runs dismantled the Indian batting lineup, giving Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Chasing a target of 241 on a spin-friendly pitch, India’s promising start was quickly extinguished by Vandersay’s brilliance. Rohit Sharma’s aggressive 64 off 44 balls had set the tone for India, but his dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse.
From a comfortable 97 for one, India lost six wickets for just 50 runs in 10 overs. Vandersay, filling in for the injured Wanindu Hasaranga, exploited the conditions and the Indian batsmen’s vulnerabilities, claiming the crucial wickets of Shivam Dube, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer.
Despite the top-order collapse, Axar Patel attempted a counter-attack with a resilient 44 off 44 balls, but his efforts were cut short by Charith Asalanka.
Earlier, Sri Lanka’s batting effort had been challenged by India’s spinners, particularly Washington Sundar (3/30) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/33). Despite struggling at 136 for six, a crucial 72-run partnership between Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis provided the hosts with a competitive total of 240 for nine.
Vandersay’s exceptional performance and Sri Lanka’s resilience on a difficult pitch proved too much for India, who were bowled out for 208 in 42.2 overs. The victory gives Sri Lanka a crucial advantage in the series, with the third and final ODI scheduled for Tuesday.
