Sri Lanka's Fielding Masterclass Fuels ODI Victory Over Bangladesh, Hasaranga Hails Game-Changing Performance

Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga lauded his team's fielding performance as a pivotal factor in their 77-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening ODI. The energetic fielding display significantly contributed to the win.

Sri Lanka's sharp fielding turned the game around. © BCB

Bangladesh seemed to be in control at 100/1, but a turning point arrived with a remarkable run-out of Najmul Hossain (23) executed by Milan Rathnayake from deep square leg. Tanzid Hasan, who had achieved a half-century after Litton Das's dismissal for a duck, was then caught in stunning fashion by Janith Liyanage at mid-off, triggering a dramatic collapse.

"Milan Rathnayake was outstanding, as was Janith Liyanage. We've demonstrated how our fielding can alter the course of games, and this match provides further evidence of that," Hasaranga stated. "They were cruising at one stage. Milan's run-out shifted the momentum, and then Janith Liyanage's incredible catch sealed the deal."

Hasaranga expressed confidence in defending their total after posting nearly 250 runs. "It's a typical RPS wicket. From our experiences playing against Australia and India, we were confident that a score between 240 and 250, when batting first, would be defensible given 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" adding that they decided to bring him as late as in the 18th over due to a tactical reason.

"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 for their ODI resurgence, believing they are progressing in the right direction under Charith Asalanka's leadership. "He (Charith) goes about 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."

Hasaranga expressed his satisfaction with contributing to the team's success despite numerous injury setbacks, 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."