Sri Lanka's Fielding Masterclass Sparks ODI Victory, Hasaranga Highlights Game-Changing Plays

**Wanindu Hasaranga**, the Sri Lankan leg spinner, attributed his team's victory in the first ODI to their exceptional fielding. Sri Lanka secured a 77-run win against Bangladesh, fueled by an energetic and game-changing fielding performance.

Bangladesh seemed to be in control at 100/1. However, a turning point arrived with **Milan Rathnayake's** direct hit from deep square leg, resulting in a brilliant run-out of **Najmul Hossain** (23). Following **Litton Das's** dismissal for a duck, **Tanzid Hasan**, who had reached his half-century, held the key to Bangladesh's chase. However, **Janith Liyanage's** remarkable catch at mid-off triggered a dramatic collapse.

"Milan Rathnayake was outstanding, and so was Janith Liyanage. We've demonstrated our ability to shift the momentum of games through our **fielding**, and this match further validates that," **Hasaranga** stated. "They were comfortably positioned at one stage. Milan's run-out altered the course of the game, and Janith Liyanage's stunner sealed the shift in our favor."

**Hasaranga** expressed confidence in defending their total after posting nearly 250 runs. "The RPS wicket typically plays this way. From our experiences against Australia and India, we knew that a first-innings score between 240 and 250 would be defensible, given our bowling attack. It's a characteristic RPS pitch," he explained.

He further commented on Bangladesh's bowling strategy, "I believe they opted for a seam-heavy attack. However, adapting swiftly to the conditions is crucial. The Bangladeshi batters likely targeted our pacers, anticipating challenges against our spinners. **Asitha** bowled well, as he consistently does. It was encouraging to witness the bowlers' adaptability." He also noted the tactical decision to introduce him late, in the 18th over.

"**Charith**, **Kusal**, and I discussed and decided to hold myself back. The strategy was to delay my introduction due to the prevalence of left-handers in their top order, allowing me to target the right-handers later in the innings," he elaborated.

**Hasaranga** commended the batting unit for their ODI resurgence, believing they are progressing positively under **Charith Asalanka's** leadership. "Charith approaches his role with maturity. He manages the middle-order situations effectively and encourages other batters to form partnerships," **Hasaranga** said.

"He possesses the ability to extract the best from his batting partners. He's been pivotal to our success and consistent in scoring runs over the past 18 months. Each batter is now contributing to the team, which was lacking a few years ago. Our consistent victories stem from the batters fulfilling their roles, simplifying the task for the bowlers."

Despite past injury setbacks, **Hasaranga** expressed his contentment in contributing to the team, celebrating his 100th ODI wicket on his international debut's eighth anniversary. "I missed considerable cricket due to injuries and surgery. Missing a World Cup due to injury was particularly tough, but I'm grateful to contribute to Sri Lanka's success, and I take pride in that," **Hasaranga** said.

"I wasn't aware of the 1000-run milestone, but I knew I needed just 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."