Sri Lanka's Fielding Prowess Sparks ODI Win Over Bangladesh, Hasaranga Says

Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga attributes their recent 77-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening ODI to the team's exceptional fielding performance. Their energetic display on the field proved to be a game-changer.

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

At one stage, Bangladesh appeared to be in a comfortable position at 100/1. However, the tide began to turn when Milan Rathnayake executed a direct hit from deep square leg, dismissing Najmul Hossain for 23. Tanzid Hasan, who had reached his half-century after Litton Das's early dismissal, looked set to anchor the innings. But Janith Liyanage's superb catch at mid-off triggered a dramatic collapse.

"Milan Rathnayake was outstanding, so was Janith Liyanage," Hasaranga stated. "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."

Hasaranga expressed confidence in defending their total after posting a score nearing 250. "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," he said, explaining the tactical reason for his delayed introduction into the attack in the 18th over.

"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 added.

Hasaranga lauded the batting unit's resilience and their progress under Charith Asalanka's leadership. "He (Charith) goes about his business as a mature player. He handles the middle situations well and gets the other batters to build partnerships," Hasaranga explained.

"He has a knack for getting the best out of his batting partners. He has been key to our success, and he has been amongst the runs for us in the last 18 months or so. Every batter has started contributing to 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."

Despite past injury setbacks, Hasaranga expressed his satisfaction in contributing to the team, marking his 100th ODI wicket on his international debut's eighth anniversary. "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 100-wicket 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."