Sri Lanka's Fielding Prowess Fuels ODI Victory; Hasaranga Highlights Key Moments

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

Sri Lankan leg spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has lauded his team's fielding performance in the first ODI against Bangladesh, attributing it as a key factor in their 77-run victory. The energetic fielding display proved crucial in turning the tide in Sri Lanka's favor.

Bangladesh was progressing steadily at 100/1 when a turning point occurred. Milan Rathnayake's accurate throw from deep square leg resulted in a brilliant run-out of Najmul Hossain (23). Tanzid Hasan, who had scored a half-century after Litton Das's early dismissal, looked set to anchor the innings, but Janith Liyanage's sensational catch at mid-off triggered a dramatic collapse.

"Milan Rathnayake was outstanding, and so was Janith Liyanage," Hasaranga stated. "We have demonstrated how fielding can change games, and this match is further evidence of that. They were cruising at one stage, but Milan's run-out shifted the momentum. Then, Janith Liyanage's stunning catch turned the game in our favor."

Hasaranga expressed confidence in defending their total after posting close to 250 runs. "It is the usual RPS wicket. When we played Australia and India, we knew if we get something in between 240 to 250 batting first, we could defend that with the bowling we have. It is the usual RPS pitch," said Hasaranga.

He also commented on Bangladesh's strategy. "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 adding that they decided to bring him as late as in the 18th over due to a tactical reason.

Regarding his late introduction into the attack, Hasaranga explained the tactical reasoning behind it. "Charith, Kusal, and I had a chat, and we decided to hold myself back. The plan was that since they have too many left-handers in the top order, for me to come as late as possible and attack the right-handers," he said.

Hasaranga also commended the batting unit's turnaround in ODIs, expressing optimism about their direction under Charith Asalanka's leadership. "He (Charith) goes around his business as a mature player. He handles the middle situations well and gets the other batters to build partnerships," said Hasaranga.

"He has a knack to get the best out of his batting partners. He has been key for our success and he has been amongst runs for us in the last 18 months or so. Every batter has started contributing for the team. That's something that we didn't have a few years ago. Why we are wining consistently nowadays is that the batters are doing their job and things are made easy for the bowlers."

Despite injury setbacks, Hasaranga expressed his satisfaction in contributing to the team, marking his 100th ODI wicket on his international debut's eighth anniversary. "I missed a lot of cricket due to my injuries and the surgery that I had to undergo. The toughest part was missing a World Cup due to injury and very happy to have contributed for the success of Sri Lanka as I am proud about it," said Hasaranga.

"I wasn't aware of the 1000-run milestone but I knew I just needed one wicket for 100 wickets. It's a day I complete eight years as an international cricketer and very pleased with this and I hope to continue in the same way."