In the second ODI match of the Sri Lanka tour of India 2023, India defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets at the Eden Garden in Kolkata.
The Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka won the toss and elected to bat first. The decision did not work for the visitors as they got bundled for just 215 runs in 39.4 overs. Thanks to some fiery bowling from Mohammad Siraj, Umran Malik and Kuldeep Yadav as they asked some questions to which SL batters had no answer.
While chasing, the Indian captain Rohit Sharma (17) was looking in fine touch but couldn’t take it further. His partner Shubman Gill (21) as well got a good start but failed to capitalise. Shreyas Iyer (28) managed to hold his wicket for a while and helped KL Rahul (64*) in his inning. The Indian wicketkeeper batter played throughout the inning which ensured India’s win over the Asia Cup 2022 winners. In his inning, KL smashed six fours and batted calmly to win it for the Men in Blue. Hardik Pandya (36) and Axar Patel (21) also helped Rahul in the chase. It was a hard-fought win as even the low score looked impossible to reach at one point.
For Sri Lanka with the bat, Nuwanidu Fernando (50) got a fabulous start which set the base for the side. Kusal Mendis (34) further took the proceedings but got no help from the other end. Sri Lanka also got a few contributions from Wanindu Hasaranga (21), Dunith Wellalage (32), Chamika Karunaratne (17) and Kasun Rajitha (17) but it just wasn’t enough.
While bowling first, three wickets were picked by Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammad Siraj. Umran Malik also grabbed two wickets. Along with them, Axar Patel also claimed a wicket.
Sri Lankan bowlers also showed character but it was too less to defend. Lahiru Kumara and Chamika Karunaratne plucked two wickets each. One each wicket was also picked by Rajitha and Dhananjaya de Silva.
For his excellent bowling performance, Kuldeep Yadav was named the Man of the Match. Following this victory, India have claimed the three-match ODI series by 2-0.
Scorecard:
Sri Lanka: 215/10, Overs 39.4, Nuwanidu Fernando 50, Mohammed Siraj 3/30
India: 219/6, Overs 43.2, KL Rahul 64*, Chamika Karunaratne 2/51