SL vs IND 2024: I was trying to hit the good areas – Jeffrey Vandersay after match-winning spell in 2nd ODI

Sri Lanka’s leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay said he wanted to hit the good areas in the second ODI against India at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Sunday. The hosts registered a 32-run win to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Sri Lanka posted 240 runs on the board after electing to bat first. Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis scored 40 runs each whereas Dunith Wellalage continued his rich form, scoring 39 off 35 balls.

However, India was going strongly in the run-chase as they were 116-1 after 17 overs at one stage after a brisk start from Rohit Sharma, who scored 64 runs off just 44 balls. But, the visitors kept losing wickets at regular intervals to veer off the track. The main reason behind India’s collapse was Jeffrey Vandersay, who had replaced injured Wanindu Hasaranga. 

Vandersay returned with career-best bowling figures of 6-33 as he bowled at the top of his game. The leg-spinner made the most of the useful conditions and dismissed India’s top six batters. 

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was dismissed while trying to play a reverse sweep whereas Gill was taken brilliantly by Kamindu Mendis at first slip. Virat Kohli, who scored 14, was plumbed in front of the wickets by Vandersay. The 34-year-old also accounted for Shivam Dube, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul.

Jeffrey Vandersay, who was awarded Player of the Match for his exemplary performance, said in the post-match presentation, “There was a lot of pressure coming into the side. I am coming out of a layoff. I had to do something and it is easier to take credit. I want to give credit to the batters as well. They put on 240 runs and that helped me to bowl in good areas.”

He added, “Hasaranga is our No. 1 spinner. I got to understand the atmosphere of the team and team balance. I have to keep pushing myself. There was assistance in the wicket, I was trying to hit the good areas. Once I got my first wicket, that built up my confidence. Fortunately, I was able to take six wickets.”

The third ODI between India and Sri Lanka will be played at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Wednesday.