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Jeffrey Vandersay emerged as the standout performer in Sri Lanka’s emphatic 32-run victory over India in the 2nd ODI of the three-match series on Sunday (August 4), in Colombo.
Vandersay’s exceptional bowling figures of 6/33 made him the first spinner to take the first six opposition wickets in an innings, a remarkable feat that significantly contributed to Sri Lanka’s triumph.
Sri Lanka’s thrilling win over India
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 240 runs. Key contributions came from Avishka Fernando (40), Kamindu Mendis (40) and Dunith Wellalage (39). Despite a solid start, the team struggled in the middle overs but managed to rally thanks to these crucial contributions. For India, Washington Sundar impressed with three wickets (3/30), while Kuldeep Yadav added two more (2/33).
India started their chase strongly with a 97-run partnership between Rohit Sharma (64) and Shubman Gill (35). However, Vandersay’s intervention proved decisive as he dismissed both openers and triggered a dramatic middle-order collapse. Vandersay’s right-arm leg-spin found optimum purchase from the surface, allowing him to run through India’s lineup and claim six wickets in his first seven overs. Skipper Charith Asalanka contributed by taking the remaining three wickets, bundling India out for 208.
Also READ: Fans react as Jeffrey Vandersay’s six-wicket haul guides Sri Lanka to win over India in the 2nd ODI
Interesting facts about Jeffrey Vandersay
Early life and education
Jeffrey Dexter Francis Vandersay was born on February 5, 1990, in Wattala, Sri Lanka. He grew up in a cricket-loving environment and attended Wesley College in Colombo, where he honed his cricketing skills. Wesley College has a rich history of producing top-notch cricketers, and Vandersay was no exception.
Domestic Cricket Career
Vandersay’s domestic career began to gain traction in the late 2010s. He made significant strides in various domestic tournaments, which caught the attention of national selectors. His journey through domestic cricket has been marked by consistent performances and key contributions.
- Dambulla: Included in the squad for the Super Four Provincial Tournament in March 2018.
- Galle: Played in the 2018 SLC T20 League, further establishing his presence in domestic cricket.
- Kandy: Joined the squad for the Super Provincial One Day Tournament in March 2019.
- Colombo Kings: Drafted for the inaugural Lanka Premier League in October 2020, where he continued to impress.
- Sinhalese Sports Club: Played a crucial role in their victory in the SLC Twenty20 Tournament in March 2021, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
- Colombo Stars: Signed for the third edition of the Lanka Premier League in July 2022, cementing his reputation as a reliable performer in domestic leagues.
International Cricket Career
Vandersay made his international debut for Sri Lanka in different formats:
- ODI Debut: December 28, 2015, against New Zealand, where he showcased his potential on the international stage.
- T20I Debut: July 30, 2015, against Pakistan, marking his entry into the shortest format of the game.
- Test Debut: June 29, 2022, against Australia, adding another feather to his cap.
Playing Style
Vandersay is known for his right-arm leg-spin bowling, which he delivers with precision and guile. His ability to extract turn and bounce from various surfaces makes him a potent weapon against all kinds of batters. He also bats right-handed but usually comes in towards the end of the innings, often contributing crucial runs lower down the order.
Career Statistics
- ODIs: 22 matches, 27 wickets, best figures of 4/10.
- T20Is: 14 matches, 7 wickets, best figures of 2/26.
- Tests: 1 match, 2 wickets, best figures of 2/68.
Personal Life
Jeffrey Vandersay, nicknamed “Vanda,” is 5 feet 7 inches tall (1.70 meters). Off the field, he is known for his private nature and enjoys spending time with family and friends. His calm demeanor and focus on the game have earned him respect both on and off the field most of the times.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram: @vandersay46
- Vandersay maintains an active presence on social media, where he engages with his followers and shares insights into his personal and professional life. With 47 posts and a following of more than 5600, Jeffrey uses his platform to showcase his journey as a cricketer, his devotion to his family, and his faith. His profile reveals a man deeply committed to his roles as a husband to Diana Vandersay (@dgirl_23) and father to three wonderful children. Notably, his account is followed by fellow cricketers such as Chamara Kapugedera, Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana etc.
Key moments of Vandersay’s career
Domestic breakthrough
Vandersay’s domestic breakthrough came during the 2018 Super Provincial One Day Tournament, where he represented Dambulla. His consistent performances in domestic cricket laid the foundation for his selection in the national team.
International debut
Vandersay’s international debut was marked by a series of impressive performances. His ODI debut against New Zealand in December 2015 showcased his potential, and his T20I debut against Pakistan in July 2015 further established his credentials as a promising leg-spinner.
Controversial past and disciplinary issues
Vandersay’s career has been marked by a few controversies that temporarily derailed his progress. In December 2018, Vandersay was part of the Sri Lankan squad touring Pakistan for the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup. Nevertheless, his tour was cut short due to a breach of his player contract concerning disciplinary issues. The specific details of the breach were not publicly disclosed, but the incident was serious enough for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to send him back home.
Following this, in January 2019, SLC handed Vandersay a one-year suspended sentence and imposed a fine equivalent to 20% of his annual contract. This punishment served as a stern reminder of the expectations and responsibilities that come with representing one’s country at the international level.
Milestone achievements
- First ODI Wicket: Vandersay’s first ODI wicket came in his debut match against New Zealand, a significant milestone in his career.
- Best ODI Figures: His best ODI figures of 4/10 highlight his ability to deliver match-winning performances.
- Six-Wicket Haul Against India: Vandersay’s 6/33 against India in August 2024 stands out as one of his most memorable performances, showcasing his ability to dominate in high-stakes matches.
