Sri Lanka's Fielding Masterclass Fuels ODI Victory Over Bangladesh: Hasaranga Hails Team's Energy

Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga has lauded his team's exceptional fielding performance in the first ODI against Bangladesh, which ultimately led to a convincing 77-run victory. The Sri Lankan team's energetic display in the field proved to be the turning point in the match.

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

At one stage, Bangladesh seemed to be in a comfortable position at 100/1. However, a remarkable piece of fielding by Milan Rathnayake, who executed a direct hit from deep square leg to dismiss Najmul Hossain (23), triggered a collapse. Tanzid Hasan, who had reached his half-century, was then caught spectacularly by Janith Liyanage at mid-off, further turning the tide in Sri Lanka's favor.

Hasaranga emphasized the importance of these moments: "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. 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."

According to Hasaranga, the team was confident in defending their total of nearly 250 runs. He pointed out that the pitch at the R. Premadasa Stadium (RPS) typically favors defending totals in the 240-250 range, given the strength of Sri Lanka's bowling attack.

Addressing Bangladesh's strategy, Hasaranga commented, "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 also explained the tactical decision to introduce him into the attack as late as the 18th over, aiming to exploit the right-handed batsmen in Bangladesh's lineup.

Hasaranga also commended Charith Asalanka's leadership and the overall improvement in the batting unit. "He (Charith) goes around his business as a mature player. He handles the middle situations well and gets the other batters to build partnerships," Hasaranga said.

"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 winning consistently nowadays is that the batters are doing their job, and things are made easy for the bowlers."

On a personal note, Hasaranga expressed his satisfaction with contributing to the team's success, especially after overcoming injury setbacks. He also celebrated reaching his 100th ODI wicket on the eighth anniversary of his international debut. "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."