Fielding turned the match’ – Hasaranga on Sri Lanka’s display in 1st ODI

The first ODI between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh was played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, and Sri Lanka won by a total of 77 runs. According to leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, the home team’s outstanding fielding was the decisive factor, even though Charith Asalanka’s century was the main feature with the bat.

When rookie Milan Rathnayake’s throw from deep square leg ran out Najmul Hossain Shanto for 23, Bangladesh was comfortably batting at 100/1 while chasing 245. Tanzid Hasan scored 62 off 61 balls before being dismissed by Janith Liyanage’s outstanding diving catch at mid-off.

Milan Rathnayake was exceptional. Janith Liyanage was, too. This game serves as another evidence of our ability to alter games with our fielding. There was a point when they were cruising. The game was altered by Milan’s run out. Naturally, Janith Liyanage then performed a stunning move, which helped us win the match,” Hasaranga stated, as cited by Cricbuzz.

Glad to have played a part in Sri Lanka’s success: Wanindu Hasaranga

Hasaranga disclosed that the Sri Lankan team was certain of defending the total even though they had scored 244. He also mentioned receiving the ball in the eighteenth over.

“I believe they believed that a seam-heavy approach was the best course of action. However, you must immediately adapt to the situation. The Bangladeshi batsmen faced our quicks, presumably aware that it would be difficult to get runs once the spinners came on. As is his custom, Asitha bowled well. He added that they chose to bring him in as late as the 18th over for tactical reasons, saying, “I think it was good to see the way the bowlers adjusted.” After talking, Charith, Kusal, and I agreed that I should hold back. The idea was for me to arrive as late as possible and attack the right-handers because they have too many left-handers in the top order,” he continued.

Thanks to Liyanage’s catch, the leg-spinner got rid of Tanzid after dismissing Litton Das for a duck. With three wickets apiece, Kamindu Mendis and Hasaranga destroyed the middle order with their ambidextrous spin. On the same day that he celebrated eight years in international cricket, the seasoned spinner claimed his 100th ODI wicket.

“Because of my injuries and the surgery I had to have, I missed a lot of cricket. The worst part was missing a World Cup because of an injury, but I’m delighted to have helped Sri Lanka win, so I’m happy about that. Although I knew I just needed one wicket to reach 100, I was unaware of the 1000-run milestone. Today marks the end of my eight years as an international cricket player, and I’m happy about it. I hope to keep playing this way,” he said.