Colombo, Aug 5 (FN Agency) The cricketing world witnessed a masterclass in spin bowling today as Sri Lanka’s Jeffrey Vandersay delivered a spectacular performance in the second ODI against India, leading his team to a 32-run victory and taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. In pursuit of a target of 241, India’s batting lineup crumbled under Vandersay’s exceptional spell. Despite a solid start from Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, who put together a 97-run partnership, Vandersay’s intervention proved decisive.Rohit Sharma, who scored a fluent 64, surpassed Rahul Dravid to become the Indian batsman with the fourth-most ODI runs of all time. However, Vandersay’s spell turned the game on its head.Vandersay’s 6-wicket haul for just 33 runs in his 10-over spell dismantled India’s top and middle order. He struck first by dismissing Rohit, and his relentless accuracy soon accounted for Gill (35), Shivam Dube (0), Virat Kohli (14), Shreyas Iyer (7), and KL Rahul (0).From a promising 97/0, India found themselves reeling at 147/6, thanks to Vandersay’s exceptional spin bowling that exploited the conditions and targeted the weaknesses of the Indian batsmen.
Even though Axar Patel (44) and Washington Sundar (15) tried to stabilize the innings, Vandersay’s brilliance ensured India was bowled out for 208 in just 42.2 overs.Sri Lanka, having won the toss and elected to bat first, set a challenging total of 241. Despite a rocky start with Pathum Nissanka dismissed on the very first ball by Mohammed Siraj, Sri Lanka recovered through key contributions from Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis, who added 74 runs for the second wicket.Though Washington Sundar removed both Fernando and Mendis in quick succession, Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis added 72 runs for the eighth wicket, pushing Sri Lanka to a final total of 240/9. Indian bowlers Siraj, Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav made significant contributions, but a couple of run-outs in the final over kept Sri Lanka’s total just out of reach. Vandersay’s outstanding performance not only earned him the Man of the Match award but also solidified his reputation as a rising star in international cricket.