SL vs IND [WATCH]: Kuldeep Yadav dismisses Charith Asalanka leaving Sri Lanka in disarray

The tension is palpable at the R. Premadasa Stadium as India continues to assert their dominance in the first ODI against Sri Lanka. After a shaky start with the bat, the visitors found their rhythm with the ball, particularly with left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. In a crucial breakthrough, Kuldeep dismissed Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka for a mere 14 runs, leaving the hosts in a precarious position at 91/4.

Kuldeep Yadav gets the Sri Lankan skipper

Asalanka, who looked fluent during his short stay at the crease, fell victim to a classic spinner’s trap in the 24th of the first innings. Kuldeep delivered a stock ball, angling away from the left-handed batsman. The delivery offered a hint of turn and deceived the Lankan skipper, who tried to nudge it off the pitch for a single. However, the ball had other ideas. It drifted away further, taking the outside edge of Asalanka’s bat and flying straight into the waiting hands of Rohit Sharma at first slip.

The Indian skipper, positioned perfectly at first slip, showcased his exceptional fielding skills by diving low to his left and completing a sharp catch. The dismissal sent a wave of disappointment through the Sri Lankan camp while the Indian players erupted in jubilation.

Here’s the video:

.@imkuldeep18 outsmarts #CharithAsalanka who hands an easy catch to his opposite number 🕸️🤩

Watch the action from #SLvIND LIVE now on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3, Sony Sports Ten 4 & Sony Sports Ten 5 🙌#SonySportsNetwork #SLvIND #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/a8ZMMYxI3U

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 2, 2024

Sri Lanka defying to surrender on the turning track

As of now, Sri Lanka finds themselves in a spot of bother, having lost four key wickets for under 100 runs. The onus now falls on the shoulders of Dunnith Wellalage, who has fought back in the Sri Lankan batting line-up so far after the opener Pathum Nisanka, who played a fighting knock of 56 runs (off 75 balls) and desperately needed support from the lower order if his team have any chance of posting a competitive total. Wellalage completed his half-century in the death overs.

Also [WATCH]: Shivam Dube claims maiden ODI wicket by dismissing Kusal Mendis

Spinners take command over Sri Lanka batters

Kuldeep has been India’s star performer so far. His economical figures of 10 overs, 33 runs conceded, and one wicket speak volumes of his control and accuracy. He has exploited the turning track effectively, troubling the Sri Lankan batsmen with his variations in pace and flight.

With the crucial wicket of Asalanka, India has certainly tightened their grip on the match. However, the game is far from over. Sri Lanka still boasts a deep batting order, and with the likes of Akila Dhananjaya, a fightback is not entirely out of the question.

The next few overs will be crucial. India will be looking to exploit the fragile Sri Lankan batting order further, while the hosts will desperately hope to build some partnerships and salvage their innings. Spin is expected to play a major role throughout the day, and the team that handles the conditions better will likely be in a stronger position come the end of the innings.

Also READ: SL vs IND 2024: Here’s why India players wearing black armbands in the first ODI