India’s Spinners Shine as Sri Lanka Scores 240/9 in Second ODI
In an exciting second ODI match at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, India’s spin trio of Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav showcased a brilliant performance to restrict Sri Lanka to 240/9.
Match Highlights
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka decided to bat first. However, they faced an early setback when Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for a first-ball duck by Mohammed Siraj. Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis then formed a partnership, reaching the 50-run mark in 12.2 overs.
Avishka scored 40 runs from 62 balls, while Kusal added 30 runs from 42 balls. Their partnership of 74 runs was broken by Washington Sundar, who dismissed Fernando in the 17th over. Sundar also trapped Kusal leg-before-wicket shortly after.
Sadeera Samarawickrama and Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka tried to stabilize the innings but could only add 32 runs before Sadeera was caught by Virat Kohli off Axar Patel’s bowling. Asalanka and Janith Liyanage were later dismissed by Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav, respectively.
Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis provided some resistance in the lower order, forming a 72-run partnership. Wellalage scored 39 runs from 35 balls, while Kamindu added 40 runs from 44 balls. Their partnership was ended by Kuldeep Yadav.
In the final over, Kamindu and Akila Dananjaya were run out, leaving Jeffrey Vandersay unbeaten on 1 as Sri Lanka finished their innings at 240/9 in 50 overs.
Top Performers
Washington Sundar was the standout bowler for India, taking three wickets for 30 runs in his 10 overs. Kuldeep Yadav also impressed, giving away 33 runs in his 10-over spell and picking up two wickets.
India now needs to score 241 runs to win the second match of the series.
Brief Score
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 240/9 (Kamindu Mendis 40, Avishka Fernando 40, Dunith Wellalage 39; Washington Sundar 3/30) |
| India | Yet to bat |
Doubts Revealed
Spinners -: Spinners are bowlers in cricket who make the ball spin or turn when it bounces on the pitch. This makes it harder for the batsman to hit the ball.
ODI -: ODI stands for One Day International. It is a type of cricket match that lasts for one day, with each team playing a fixed number of overs, usually 50.
R. Premadasa Stadium -: R. Premadasa Stadium is a famous cricket stadium located in Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka.
Axar Patel -: Axar Patel is an Indian cricketer who is known for his left-arm spin bowling and handy batting.
Washington Sundar -: Washington Sundar is an Indian cricketer who is an all-rounder, meaning he can both bat and bowl. He is known for his off-spin bowling.
Kuldeep Yadav -: Kuldeep Yadav is an Indian cricketer who is a left-arm wrist-spin bowler. He is known for his ability to spin the ball both ways.
Avishka Fernando -: Avishka Fernando is a Sri Lankan cricketer who is a batsman. He plays for the national team of Sri Lanka.
Kusal Mendis -: Kusal Mendis is a Sri Lankan cricketer who is a batsman. He is known for his aggressive batting style.
Dunith Wellalage -: Dunith Wellalage is a young Sri Lankan cricketer who is an all-rounder, meaning he can both bat and bowl.
Kamindu Mendis -: Kamindu Mendis is a Sri Lankan cricketer who is known for his batting and also for being able to bowl with both arms.
Wickets -: In cricket, a wicket refers to either the set of stumps and bails or the event of a batsman getting out. Washington Sundar took three wickets, meaning he got three batsmen out.
Runs -: Runs are the points scored in cricket. India needs 241 runs to win, which means they need to score 241 points by hitting the ball and running between the wickets or hitting boundaries.
