Sri Lanka's Fielding Masterclass Underpins ODI Victory Over Bangladesh, Says Hasaranga

Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga has lauded his team's exceptional fielding performance as a key factor in their 77-run triumph over Bangladesh in the opening ODI. The victory was built on an energetic and impactful display in the field.

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

At one stage, Bangladesh appeared to be in control, cruising at 100/1. However, a pivotal moment arrived when Milan Rathnayake executed a brilliant flat throw from deep square leg to run out Najmul Hossain, who had scored 23 runs. With Litton Das dismissed for a duck, the responsibility fell on half-centurion Tanzid Hasan to anchor the innings. However, Janith Liyanage's stunning catch at mid-off triggered a dramatic collapse.

Hasaranga emphasized the significance of these fielding efforts: "Milan Rathnayake was outstanding. So was Janith Liyanage. We have shown that how we can change games with our fielding, and this game is a further proof for that. They were cruising at one stage. That run out from Milan changed the game. Then of course Janith Liyanage pulled off a stunner and that turned the game in our favour."

Sri Lanka's confidence in defending their total stemmed from their familiarity with the conditions at the venue. "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," Hasaranga stated.

Regarding Bangladesh's bowling strategy, Hasaranga noted, "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 explained the decision to introduce him into the attack later than usual, citing tactical considerations related to the number of left-handers in Bangladesh's top order. "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 improved performance in ODIs, attributing it to the leadership of Charith Asalanka. "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 battling injuries, Hasaranga expressed his satisfaction with contributing to the team's success, particularly on the eighth anniversary of his international debut, which also marked his 100th ODI wicket. "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."