Twitter Reactions: Hasaranga, Theekshana, Asalanka help Sri Lanka go 2-0 up against West Indies

Sri Lankaand West Indies locked horns in the second ODI of the series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on October 23. 

Sri Lanka’s skipper Charith Asalanka called it correctly at the toss and opted to field first. Sri Lanka came into the game with immense confidence after beating the visitors in the opening game. Meanwhile, the rain gods caused a delay in the commencement of the game as it was eventually shortened to 44 overs. 

West Indies’ innings began with a setback as openers Alick Athanaze and Brandon King put just one and 16, with the side reeling at 17/2. Skipper Shai Hope also walked back in no time while Keacy Carty was sent back cheaply as well as the visitors lost their top-order in no time. 

But Sherfane Rutherford held one end strongly as he smashed 80 off 82, studded with seven fours and four sixes, to provide some hope for the Caribbean side. However, the tourists kept losing wickets regularly, with Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh and Alzarri Joseph all walking back to the dressing room without even reaching double-digits. 

With West Indies reducted to 58/8, Sri Lanka would have hoped to wrap up the tail quickly. But Rutherford and Gudakesh Motie (50*) stitched a record 119-run partnership for the ninth wicket to keep the side alive in the game, taking the total to 189 runs in 36 overs. 

For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga was the wrecker-in-chief with the ball, claiming four crucial wickets. Maheesh Theekshana and Asitha Fernando also chipped in with three wickets each. 

Also Read: Watch: Wanindu Hasaranga’s fiery celebration after dismissing Brandon King during SL vs WI 1st ODI

Sri Lanka did not start the chase the way they would have liked as they lost opener Avishka Fernando (9) and Kusal Mendis (3) cheaply. Later, opener Nishan Madushka partnered with Sadeera Samarawickrama to steady the wobbling ship and put up a 62-run stand. Both the batters departed for 38 each.

With still 100 runs required, captain Asalanka took it upon himself to take his side over the line as the southpaw smashed an unbeaten 62 and put up an important 55-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Janith Liyanage to seal the game with five wickets and 34 balls to spare. 

With the win, Sri Lanka have gone 2-0 up in the series. Meanwhile, the visitors will look to save their pride in the third and final game of the series on October 26.

Here’s how ‘X’ reacted to Sri Lanka’s win:

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