IND vs SL: After Sri Lankas dominant start, Indian bowlers clawed up in the second ODI of the three-match series on Wednesday. Sri Lanka scored 248/7 in 50 overs. Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, and Kusal Mendis were the star performers of the game. However, Avishka Fernando missed out his well-deserved century by just 4 runs. Riyan Parag trapped him on 96. Avishka Fernando Shines with 96Avishka Fernando played a pivotal role in Sri Lankas innings, scoring a commendable 96 runs. His innings set the foundation for Sri Lankas competitive total. He was well-supported by Kusal Mendis, who added 59 runs, and Pathum Nissanka, who contributed 45 runs. The trio managed to stabilize the innings, offering hope for a much higher score at one point.Mid-innings collapseDespite being in a strong position at 171 for the loss of just one wicket in 35.2 overs, Sri Lanka faced a sudden collapse, a recurring theme throughout the series. The middle order struggled to maintain momentum, losing six wickets for just 77 runs in the final 88 balls. This collapse prevented them from reaching the 280-290 mark that seemed within reach earlier in the innings.Innings Break! #TeamIndia restrict Sri Lanka to 248/7.3⃣ wickets on ODI debut for @ParagRiyan1⃣ wicket each for @Sundarwashi5, @imkuldeep18, @akshar2026 & @mdsirajofficialStay Tuned for our chase! ⌛️Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/Lu9YkAmnek #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/zrooQ0vaTO— BCCI (@BCCI) August 7, 2024Indias bowling responseFor India, Riyan Parag was the standout bowler, taking three crucial wickets to stem the flow of runs. Despite the initially favorable batting conditions, Indian spinners found it challenging to make breakthroughs in the middle overs, allowing Sri Lankas top three to settle in and build a solid partnership. Nissanka and Avishka put together a valuable 89-run stand for the first wicket, while Mendis anchored the innings after Avishkas departure.Challenging targetSri Lanka added 31 runs in the last three overs, which could prove to be crucial in the context of the match. This late surge gave Sri Lanka a competitive edge and a total that would challenge Indias batting lineup. The pitch, which initially seemed conducive to batting, offered some assistance to spinners as the innings progressed, a factor Sri Lanka will hope to exploit in their defense of the target.Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.Brief ScorecardIndia: 258/7 in 50 Overs (Avishka Fernando 96, Kausal Mendis 59, Pathum Nissanka 45 Riyan Parag 3/54).Lineups for IND vs SLIND playing XI: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Shreyas Iyer, Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.SL playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka(c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando.
