Sri Lanka's Fielding Masterclass Sparks ODI Victory Over Bangladesh, Claims Hasaranga

Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga has lauded his team's exceptional fielding performance as a pivotal factor in their resounding 77-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening One Day International. The team's energetic display in the field significantly contributed to the win.

Sri Lanka's sharp fielding was key to their victory. © BCB

Bangladesh appeared to be in a comfortable position at 100/1 before a dramatic collapse ensued. Milan Rathnayake's direct hit from deep square leg to run out Najmul Hossain (23) proved to be a turning point. Subsequently, Janith Liyanage executed a stunning catch at mid-off to dismiss half-centurion Tanzid Hasan, who was looking to build upon Litton Das's dismissal for a duck, triggering a spectacular batting collapse.

"Milan Rathnayake was outstanding, as was Janith Liyanage," Hasaranga stated. "We've demonstrated how our fielding can transform matches, and this game serves as further evidence of that. They were cruising at one stage. Milan's run-out changed the game, and then Janith Liyanage pulled off a stunner, which swung the momentum in our favor."

Hasaranga expressed confidence in defending their total after posting a score nearing 250. "It's the typical RPS wicket. When we faced Australia and India, 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," Hasaranga explained.

He further 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 also mentioned the tactical decision to introduce him into the attack as late as the 18th over.

"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 added.

Hasaranga commended the batting unit for their ODI turnaround, believing they are progressing positively under Charith Asalanka's leadership. "Charith goes about his business as a mature player. He handles the middle situations well and gets the other batters to build partnerships," Hasaranga said.

"He has a knack for getting the best out of his batting partners. He has been key to 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," Hasaranga stated.

"I wasn't aware of the 100-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."