India and Sri Lanka bring back '90s nostalgia

Just seven nights ago, Sri Lanka's batting lineup crumbled spectacularly in a T20I match that seemed impossible to lose. The middle order disintegrated with such intensity that even the Super Over performance was affected. Fans, furious and disappointed, gathered in Pallekele to demand answers. Charith Asalanka was the only player who faced the enraged crowd, which lingered until after midnight on a weekday to vent their frustrations.

A Night of Redemption

Fast-forward to Sunday’s ODI, and the atmosphere had transformed. The papare bands were playing, the Lankan crowd was animated, and India’s middle order was faltering. The contrast was stark: from a dismal collapse to a vibrant, hopeful cricket ground. Despite their recent failures in the T20 World Cup and their low ranking, the Sri Lankan team managed to draw fans to the stadium. On Friday, a third of Khettarama was filled, but after a tie that felt like a victory against India, the stands were nearly 90% full by Sunday, filled with fans waving Sri Lanka flags.

The Rise of Dunith Wellalage

Central to this turnaround was Dunith Wellalage, who had impressed in a series against Australia two years prior. His performance in the ODI, alongside Jeffrey Vandersay’s last-minute inclusion following Wanindu Hasaranga’s injury, energised the crowd. Vandersay’s exceptional bowling on a big-spinning pitch, which levelled the playing field, played a crucial role. His deliveries, a mix of turning and straight balls, dismissed key Indian players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul.

A Game-Changing Moment

The match's pivotal moment came when Gill, batting smoothly, was spectacularly caught by Kamindu Mendis. This catch reignited the crowd’s energy, demonstrating their desire for joy and excitement, if not outright victory, especially against a formidable team like India.

Vandersay, reflecting on the match, highlighted the importance of fan support. Despite the sporadic nature of his career, marked by highs like the 2016 T20 World Cup and lows such as the 2019 World Cup, his performance in this ODI hinted at a potential resurgence. This victory, albeit on a unique pitch, offered a glimpse of a hopeful future, with Vandersay potentially becoming a key figure in Sri Lanka’s spin attack.

The Nostalgic Battle

The ODI’s low-scoring nature and challenging pitch evoked memories of cricket from the late nineties and early 2000s. The match was a throwback, with spinners dominating and batsmen struggling against the turning ball. Pathum Nissanka’s cautious 56 off 75 balls and Kusal Mendis’ and Charith Asalanka’s slow but steady contributions felt like a return to a different era of cricket.

Spinners Steal the Show

The match saw spinners bowling the majority of overs, a rarity in modern ODIs dominated by pace bowlers. Vandersay and his teammates exploited the conditions perfectly, with even part-timer Charith Asalanka contributing significantly with figures of 3 for 30.

A Return to Glory

Despite the smaller crowd compared to a T20 match, the ODI had its own charm. It reminded fans of the classic encounters between South Asian teams, with spin bowling playing a central role. The absence of genre-bending players like Jasprit Bumrah allowed the game to retain its old-school feel.

The climax was fitting, with Sri Lanka's fourth-choice spinner, Asalanka, bowling to India’s tailender, Arshdeep Singh. Singh's agricultural swipe across the line, reminiscent of a bygone era, sealed the match for Sri Lanka. It wasn’t perfect cricket, but it was a nostalgic and thrilling contest that showcased the enduring spirit of the game.

The Future

While this ODI might represent a final chapter for bilateral series in the 50-over format, it was a glorious reminder of the sport’s rich history. Sri Lanka’s performance, driven by tenacious spin bowling and strategic play, offered hope for a brighter future, even as the cricketing world evolves around them.