Team India defeated Sri Lanka in the second ODI by 3 wickets in what turned out to be a nail-biting finish. Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka once again won the toss and chose to bat first in the second ODI between India and Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan openers started brilliantly scoring 59 runs for the loss of zero wickets in the first 10 overs. The openers looked set until Yuzvendra Chahal picked up 2 wickets in 2 balls to bring India right back into the game. In the second innings, Sri Lanka bowled with purpose upfront picking up 3 early wickets. The partnership between Manish Pandey and Suryakumar Yadav brought India back into the game before Deepak Chahar’s sensational knock took India over the line. This victory means India has already won the ODI series and the third and final ODI will be nothing but a mere formality.
The Chahal and Bhuvi brilliance
Yuzvendra Chahal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled brilliantly and completely choked the Sri Lankan batsmen. Chahal picked up 3 wickets with an economy of 5 runs per over. Bhuvneshwar bowled a great economical opening spell and came back during the match’s latter stages to pick up crucial wickets. Deepak Chahar too made good use of his knuckleballs to derail the batsmen.
In the second innings, Sri Lanka bowled with purpose upfront picking up 3 early wickets.
Asalanka and Karunaratne’s fightback
Charith Asalanka was brilliant with the bat and held his own when wickets were tumbling on the other end. He stayed till the end scoring an all-important 65 runs off 68 balls keeping Sri Lanka in the game. Chamika Karunaratne again played a crucial knockdown the order like the first match. He remained not out till the very end scoring 44 runs off 33 balls at a strike rate of 133 which helped Sri Lanka put up a target of 275 onboard.
Surya blows the bowlers SKY-HIGH
Suryakumar Yadav playing only his second ODI played another superb knock of 53 runs off 44 balls. He held the innings together when wickets were tumbling on the other end. He along with Manish Pandey stitched together a crucial partnership for India.
Sensational Deepak
Deepak Chahar has deservingly been adjudged the man of the match for his stunning fightback. He scored an unbeaten 69 runs which included 7 fours and 1 six. Deepak Chahar came in to bat when India was struggling at 160 for the loss of 6 wickets. Deepak Chahar’s blinder helped India take an unassailable lead in the 3 match ODI series.
