Hasaranga Highlights Sri Lanka's Fielding Prowess as Key to ODI Win Over Bangladesh

Sri Lanka's Fielding Prowess Key to ODI Victory, Says Hasaranga

Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has lauded his team's exceptional fielding performance in the first ODI against Bangladesh, attributing it as a major factor in their 77-run victory.

Sri Lanka's fielding made the difference. © BCB

Bangladesh appeared to be in a comfortable position at 100/1, but a turning point arrived with a remarkable run-out of Najmul Hossain (23) thanks to a precise throw from Milan Rathnayake. Tanzid Hasan, who had reached his half-century, then fell victim to a stunning catch by Janith Liyanage at mid-off, triggering a significant collapse in the Bangladeshi batting lineup.

"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 around 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," said Hasaranga.

He also 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,"

Regarding his late introduction into the attack, Hasaranga explained it was a tactical decision. "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 further commended the batting unit's resurgence in ODIs, noting their progress under Charith Asalanka's leadership. "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 past injury setbacks, Hasaranga expressed his satisfaction in contributing to the team's success, particularly on the eighth anniversary of his international debut, which also saw him claim 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."