Sri Lanka's Fielding Masterclass Secures ODI Victory Over Bangladesh, Hasaranga Lauds Team Effort

Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga attributes his team's impressive fielding performance to their 77-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening ODI. Their energetic display in the field proved to be the decisive factor in the match.

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

At one stage, Bangladesh appeared to be in a comfortable position at 100/1. However, a turning point arrived when Milan Rathnayake executed a direct hit from deep square leg, dismissing Najmul Hossain for 23. Tanzid Hasan, who had reached his half-century, was then caught by Janith Liyanage at mid-off, triggering a dramatic collapse. Litton Das was dismissed for a duck.

Key Fielding Moments

• Milan Rathnayake's Run-Out: A flat throw from deep square leg caught Najmul Hossain short of his crease.
• Janith Liyanage's Catch: A stunning catch at mid-off brought an end to Tanzid Hasan's innings.

"Milan Rathnayake was outstanding, so was Janith Liyanage. We have shown how we can change games with our fielding, and this game is further proof of that," Hasaranga stated. "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 favor."

Hasaranga expressed confidence in defending their total of nearly 250 runs. "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 said.

He also commented on Bangladesh's strategy, saying, "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 further explained the tactical decision to introduce him late in 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 said.

Hasaranga commended the batting unit's turnaround in ODIs, believing they are progressing positively 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."

Despite past injuries, 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," 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."