- July 4, 2025
It might be a batter’s game, but sometimes it is a flat throw and a diving catch that turn things around – just ask Wanindu Hasaranga. In Sri Lanka’s dominant 77-run victory against Bangladesh in the first ODI, it wasn’t just the batters or bowlers who stole the show, but the fielders. From pivotal run-outs that turned the game around to catches that changed the momentum of the game, the Lankans put on a fielding clinic, and Hasaranga was quick to suggest that it made a difference.
Milan’s Missile and Janith’s Grab: When Fielding Became the X-Factor
At 100 for 1, Bangladesh looked on easy street. Enter Milan Rathnayake. His near pinpoint direct-hit run out of Najmul Hossain was not just a wicket; it gave Sri Lanka the momentum they needed to break Bangladesh’s rhythm completely before their collapse ensued. Just when the bewildered tourists thought it could not get worse, Janith Liyanage at mid-off produced an absolute blinder off Tanzid Hasan, and that was the final nail in the coffin.
Hasaranga could not praise them enough. “Everything turned around with that run out by Milan,” he stated. He is right. In a time when power-hitting dominates the game, Sri Lanka turned the narrative purely on proof-of-concept. Energy, anticipation, and execution in the field. That was the difference. It was not just about stopping runs; it was about signing off moments.
Tactical Tweaks: Why Hasaranga Waited Till Over 18
Given Bangladesh’s strong left-handed lineup at the top, I think it would have surprised a good number of fans to see Hasaranga not roll his arm over until the 18th over. But perhaps this was part of a comprehensive, tactical plan. Following a quick discussion between skipper Charith Asalanka and wicketkeeper and opening batsman Kusal Mendis, and Hasaranga, they thought it was wise not to bowl him until later, as he might be more effective against the right-handed batters at the end of their batting innings.
It has to be said, this sort of clear and strategic thinking is not something we have seen a lot of from Sri Lankan ODI set-ups over recent years. However, things certainly appear to be evolving. They are starting to think more than a couple of overs ahead, and that has to be a compliment to the leadership group and Hasaranga himself, outgrowing his role as a wrist-spinner and becoming a full-fledged cricket brain.
A Balanced Squad on the Rise
The bowlers did what they had to do, but it was the batters who set them up. Under 250 on a slow R. Premadasa pitch might not sound like a bonanza, but it was totally in the ballpark. Hasaranga even admitted that they felt confident defending that score, because this team finally knows how to play to its strengths.
He also had a lot of compliments about Asalanka’s captaincy, noting his calmness and ability to get the best out of his players. The biggest difference? Consistency. The Sri Lankan batting group, long subject to batting collapses and their lack of collective uncertainty, is now giving contributions as one group. That’s why the bowlers—and the fielders—can do their job with a lot less interference.
This ODI wasn’t only a victory; it was a statement. A combination of brilliant fielding, game awareness, and a recently developed team spirit tells us Sri Lanka is moving forward rapidly. Celebrating his 100th ODI wicket on his debut anniversary, Hasaranga added a sweet touch to an already stellar career. With fielding possibly being their secret sauce, could this be the rise of a new, smarter Sri Lankan squad? Tell us, then, what has impressed you the most about this turnaround?
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