Jeffrey Vandersay’s call up to Sri Lanka’s ODI squad happened just before the second ODI against India. It came about as a result of Wanindu Hasaranga’s hamstring injury. After that, Vandersay went on to bowl a magnificent figure of 6 for 33 thereby stifling India’s chase and securing a memorable thirty-two run win for Sri Lanka at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Vandersay has played 22 ODIs since he made his debut in December 2015, often in and out of the team. However, it was during Sunday’s match when he found himself a hero by dismissing Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Shivam Dube, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul within twenty-nine balls only. His efforts were rewarded with seventh best figures by any Sri Lankan bowler in ODIs and also took Sri Lanka into a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Called Man of the Match, Vandersay attributed his confidence to bowling out Rohit Sharma.
“There was some assistance from the wicket so I focused on hitting right areas and stick to basics. This was my first game after long time so I knew that I needed to bowl accurately,” said Vandersay’s after winning the match for Sri Lanka.
“After getting first wicket (Rohit) my confidence grew and I kept bowling into right areas coupled with little bit luck that helped me take six wickets,” he further added while receiving his Player of the Match award.
The third and final ODI will be held on Wednesday at this very venue again.
Suryakumar Yadav being their captain had won India T20I series 3-0.
