Yet another series win for India
India registered a four-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the 2nd ODI of the series on Thursday at Kolkata. Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the coin toss and elected to bat first.
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka had a steady start with a 29-run partnership for the first wicket with debutant Nawanidu Fernando and Avishka Fernando. Avishka Fernando was the main contributor in that partnership with 20 runs. After the dismissal of Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis came out to bat, and both added 73 runs for the 2nd wicket. Kusal Mendis scored 34 runs. After a solid start, Sri Lanka lost the momentum, and they lost wickets at regular intervals. Debutant Nawanidu Fernando was the top scorer with 50 runs. At the backstage of the Dunith wellalage made 32 runs. Eventually, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 215 runs in 39.4 overs.
In reply, India got off to a flying start with 33 runs in 5 overs. However, Sri Lanka came back strongly and took four wickets in quick succession. After that, Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul rebuilt the innings and made a 75-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Hardik Pandya scored 36 runs. After the dismissal of Pandya, Axar Patel came out to bat and scored 21 runs, which released the pressure. Both Axar and KL Rahul added 30 runs for the sixth wicket. KL Rahul held his nerve and scored an unbeaten 64 runs. Eventually, India made 219 runs for the loss of six wickets in 43.2 overs.
With that win India clinched the series with one match to spare.
