The script eerily mirrored the first ODI from a few nights ago, but this time it was the solo performance of Jeffrey Vandersay that stole the show. After nearly a decade of perseverance in domestic cricket, the leg-spinner finally made headlines with a remarkable six-wicket haul, leading Sri Lanka to a 32-run victory over India. This sets up Sri Lanka for a potential first ODI series win against India since 1997, provided they avoid defeat in the final match on Wednesday.
Chasing a target of 240—10 more than the previous game—on a sluggish pitch, India faced a tough challenge. In conditions favouring spinners throughout, they struggled to adapt. Head coach Gautam Gambhir's advice on handling such pitches could have been invaluable. As the spinners exploited the pitch, India’s batting, aside from Rohit Sharma, faltered once more. Vandersay entered the attack in the 12th over with India at 80/0 and ended his first spell by reducing them to 147/6, with figures of 7-0-26-6.
Vandersay’s performance was reminiscent of Ajantha Mendis's 6/13 against India in the 2008 Asia Cup final, though Vandersay's success lacked the element of mystery. The question remains why he hasn’t been a regular fixture in a team that has struggled in recent years? Since his debut in 2015, Vandersay had played only 22 ODIs and 14 T20Is before this match. His only notable incident before this was a one-year suspension in 2018 for a night out in St Lucia. He was only included in the squad as a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga, who was injured in the first ODI.
From the moment Vandersay took the field, his spell seemed destined to shape the game. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill had previously targeted Dunith Wellalage and Akila Dhananjaya, but Vandersay’s introduction changed the dynamic. His first over saw Rohit caught brilliantly by Pathum Nissanka at backward point after attempting a reverse sweep. Vandersay then dismissed Gill and Virat Kohli in quick succession, and despite Axar Patel's promotion, the damage was done.
The match slipped away from India as Vandersay continued his relentless attack, dismissing Shreyas Iyer and contributing to the collapse. By the time KL Rahul was out, Sri Lanka had sealed the victory. Axar Patel and Washington Sundar tried to delay the inevitable, but Charith Asalanka’s part-time off-spin wrapped up the innings.
India's collapse overshadowed the solid bowling efforts of Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav, who together conceded only 101 runs and took 6 wickets. Despite their economical bowling, the collective application of Sri Lanka’s batting line-up made the difference. While none of the Sri Lankan batsmen reached fifty, their disciplined approach ensured they built a competitive total. A couple of big overs towards the end, including from Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh, pushed their score beyond India’s reach.