India vs Sri Lanka: The second ODI was almost a carbon copy of the first one, just that the Sri Lankan spinners were far more lethal tonight. Chasing 241, Team India completely faltered. They were simply outclassed by a superb Lankan unit, who had a packed Colombo crowd behind them.
Vandersay’s magic unlocked India
The Sri Lankan spinners once again stranglehold a star-studded Indian batting lineup. While the likes of Axar Patel and Shivam Dube took India closer to the target and the first ODI was tied, the equation went against the visitors this time around.
Rohit Sharma once again started with a bang, rewriting history books and utilizing the powerplay restriction with aplomb. However, once he was dismissed, it all went downhill for his troops. None of the Indian batter, barring Axar Patel, gauged the tricky pitch and felt prey to a wily Lankan attack. The wrecker-in-chief was Jeffrey Vandersay. The lad was only included in the first XI due to an unfortunate injury to star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga.
Regardless, Vandersay rose to the occasion massively and sent back stalwarts. You ask who? Well, everyone of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and Shivam Dube fell prey to Vandersay’s masterclass. From 97/0, India were 147/6 and then it was all formalities. While Axar Patel did give a genuine hope for the Indian fans, his wicket was the final nail in the coffin.
Fans slam India for 2nd ODI defeat
Fans were quick to take out their frustration on social media after India’s loss. In fact, some users compared this performance to that of Pakistan’s and said that India batted like their arch-rivals in Green.
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