Wanindu Hasaranga credited Sri Lanka’s fielding brilliance and calm under pressure after Bangladesh imploded in a dramatic collapse to hand the hosts a 77-run victory in the opening one-day international in Colombo on Wednesday.
Bangladesh, chasing 245, looked in complete control at 100 for one before losing seven wickets for just five runs, slumping to 125 for nine and eventually being bowled out for 167 in 35.5 overs.
“They were cruising at one stage,” Hasaranga told reporters after the match. “That run out from Milan (Rathnayake) changed the game. Then of course Janith (Liyanage) pulled off a stunner, and that turned the game in our favour.”
The Sri Lankan leg-spinner, who finished with 3-33, completed his 100th ODI wicket on the eighth anniversary of his international debut, a milestone that carried added satisfaction after injury setbacks.
“I missed a lot of cricket due to injuries and surgery. Missing a World Cup was the toughest part. I am very happy to contribute to Sri Lanka’s success and proud about it,” Hasaranga said.
The 26-year-old said that while the R. Premadasa pitch remained a typical surface offering opportunities for bowlers, Sri Lanka’s ability to claw back stemmed from their trust in defending totals in the 240-250 range.
“It is the usual RPS wicket. When we played Australia and India here, we knew if we get something in between 240 to 250 batting first, we could defend that with the bowling we have,” Hasaranga explained.
Sri Lanka’s fielding standards were again in the spotlight, with Milan’s direct-hit run out of Najmul Hossain Shanto and Liyanage’s stunning diving catch to dismiss Tanzid Hasan proving pivotal in shifting momentum.
“We have shown how we can change games with our fielding, and this game is further proof,” Hasaranga said.
The spinner also praised Sri Lanka’s collective improvement with the bat, led by captain Charith Asalanka’s composed 106 earlier in the day.
“Every batter has started contributing for the team. That’s something we didn’t have a few years ago. Now the batters are doing their job, and things are made easier for the bowlers,” he noted.
On the fielding delay that led to Sri Lanka being penalised with five runs, Hasaranga clarified it was a minor issue. “Charith was trying to get the silly point fielder padded up, and we ended up copping a penalty. I don’t think it will keep happening,” he said with a smile.
Hasaranga revealed that he held himself back until the 18th over to target Bangladesh’s right-handers after discussions with Asalanka and Kusal Mendis, given the visitors’ left-hander-heavy top order.
The all-rounder also praised Kamindu Mendis’ ambidextrous skills, which he said played a crucial role in helping Sri Lanka apply pressure on Bangladesh during the collapse.
“It is hugely important when you have a left-hander and a right-hander out in the middle. Kamindu’s spell made things easier for me, and it helps us as a team when we have such skilful players,” he said.
BP English/ARK
