Sri Lanka's Fielding Prowess Fuels ODI Victory, Declares Hasaranga

Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has attributed his team's impressive fielding performance as a crucial factor in their 77-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening ODI. He emphasized how energetic fielding display significantly contributed to the win.

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

At one stage, Bangladesh seemed to be cruising comfortably at 100/1. However, a collapse was triggered by Milan Rathnayake's excellent flat throw from deep square leg, resulting in a brilliant run-out of Najmul Hossain (23). With Litton Das dismissed for a duck, the onus was on Tanzid Hasan, who had reached his half-century, to anchor the innings. However, Janith Liyanage's stunning catch at mid-off marked the beginning of a spectacular batting collapse for Bangladesh.

"Milan Rathnayake was outstanding, so was Janith Liyanage. We have demonstrated how our fielding can change the course of a game, and this match is further proof of that," Hasaranga stated. "They were cruising at one point. Milan's run-out shifted the momentum, and then Janith Liyanage's incredible catch swung the game in our favor."

Hasaranga expressed confidence in defending their total after posting nearly 250 runs. He said, "It's a typical RPS wicket. Having played against Australia and India here, we knew that if we could score between 240 and 250 batting first, we could defend it with our bowling attack. It's the usual RPS pitch."

He further commented on Bangladesh's strategy, "I think they felt they should go with a seam-heavy attack. But you need to adjust to conditions quickly. The Bangladeshi batters attacked our quicks, probably knowing that scoring against the spinners would be challenging. Asitha bowled well, as he usually does. It was good to see how the bowlers adapted." He also noted that his introduction into the attack was delayed until the 18th over for tactical reasons.

"Charith, Kusal, and I discussed holding myself back. The plan was, given their numerous left-handers in the top order, to bring me on as late as possible to target the right-handers," he explained.

Hasaranga lauded the batting unit's turnaround in ODIs and believes they are progressing well under Charith Asalanka's leadership. "Charith conducts himself like a mature player. He manages the middle overs effectively and encourages other batters to form partnerships," Hasaranga said.

"He has a knack for getting the best out of his batting partners. He has been crucial to our success and has consistently scored runs for us in the last 18 months. Every batter has started contributing to the team, something we lacked a few years ago. Our consistent wins now are due to the batters doing their job, making things easier for the bowlers."

Despite facing several injury setbacks, Hasaranga expressed his satisfaction in contributing to the team. He also celebrated taking his 100th ODI wicket on the eighth anniversary of his international debut. "I've missed a lot of cricket due to injuries and surgery. The hardest part was missing a World Cup due to injury, so I'm very happy to have contributed to Sri Lanka's success, and I'm proud of that," Hasaranga said.

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