Sri Lanka's Fielding Masterclass Fuels ODI Victory Over Bangladesh, Hasaranga Hails Key Plays

By Atif Azam

Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga lauded his team's exceptional fielding as a key factor in their 77-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening ODI. The energetic fielding display proved decisive in turning the tide of the match.

Sri Lanka's efforts on the field made a huge difference in the end. © BCB

At one stage, Bangladesh appeared to be in a comfortable position at 100/1. However, a turning point arrived with a remarkable run-out of Najmul Hossain (23) orchestrated by Milan Rathnayake's accurate throw from deep square leg. Tanzid Hasan, who had reached his half-century, held the key to Bangladesh's chase after Litton Das's early dismissal for a duck. But Janith Liyanage's stunning catch at mid-off triggered a dramatic collapse.

"Milan Rathnayake was outstanding, so was Janith Liyanage," Hasaranga commented. "We have demonstrated how fielding can change games, and this match further validates that. They were cruising at one stage, but Milan's run-out shifted the momentum. Janith Liyanage's sensational catch then swung the game decisively in our favour."

Hasaranga expressed confidence in defending their total after posting a score nearing 250. "It's a typical RPS wicket. Having played against Australia and India here, we knew that a score between 240 and 250, when batting first, would be defendable with our bowling attack. It's the usual RPS pitch," he stated.

He further elaborated on the tactical decisions made during the game. "I think they felt that they should go with a seam heavy attack. But you need to adjust to conditions quickly. Bangladeshi batters took on our quicks probably knowing that when the spinners come on it will be tough to score runs. Asitha bowled well as he usually does. I think it was good to see the way the bowlers adjusted," he said, explaining the rationale behind introducing him into the attack as late as the 18th over.

"Charith, Kusal, and I discussed and decided to hold myself back. The plan was to delay my introduction, given their abundance of left-handers in the top order, and then attack the right-handers," Hasaranga explained.

Hasaranga also lauded the batting unit's resurgence in ODIs, attributing it to Charith Asalanka's leadership. "Charith conducts himself with maturity. He manages middle-order situations effectively and fosters partnerships with other batters," Hasaranga noted.

"He has a knack for extracting the best from his batting partners. He has been pivotal to our success and has consistently scored runs for us over the past 18 months. Every batter has started contributing to the team, which was lacking a few years ago. Our consistent victories are now a result of the batters fulfilling their roles, thus easing the pressure on the bowlers."

Despite enduring injury setbacks, Hasaranga expressed satisfaction with his contributions to the team, marking his 100th ODI wicket on his international debut's eighth anniversary. "I missed a significant amount of cricket due to injuries and surgery, with the World Cup being the toughest to miss. I am immensely proud to contribute to Sri Lanka's success," Hasaranga stated.

"I wasn't aware of the 1000-run milestone, but I knew I needed one more wicket for 100 wickets. Completing eight years as an international cricketer on this day is very pleasing, and I aim to maintain this momentum."