Sri Lanka's Fielding Masterclass Fuels ODI Victory Over Bangladesh, Says Hasaranga

**Wanindu Hasaranga**, the Sri Lankan leg-spinner, has attributed his team's 77-run victory over Bangladesh in the first ODI to their exceptional **fielding performance**. According to Hasaranga, the team's energetic display in the field played a crucial role in securing the win.

Bangladesh seemed to be in a comfortable position at 100/1. However, a turning point arrived when Milan Rathnayake executed a direct hit from deep square leg to run out Najmul Hossain, who had scored 23 runs. Following the dismissal of Litton Das for a duck, Tanzid Hasan, who had reached his half-century, held the key to Bangladesh's innings. However, Janith Liyanage's spectacular catch at mid-off brought an end to Tanzid's innings, triggering a dramatic collapse of the Bangladeshi batting order.

"Milan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage were both outstanding in the field. We've demonstrated how **fielding can turn the tide of a game**, and this match served as further evidence," Hasaranga stated. "Bangladesh was in control at one point, but Milan's run-out changed the game. Then, Janith Liyanage made an incredible catch, which swung the momentum in our favor."

Hasaranga also mentioned that the team was confident about defending their total after posting a score close to 250. He said, "It's a typical RPS wicket. Having played against Australia and India here, we knew that a first-innings score of around 240 to 250 would be sufficient to defend, given the strength of our bowling attack. It's the usual RPS pitch."

"I think they felt that they should go with a seam heavy attack. But you need to adjust to conditions quickly. Bangladeshi batters took on our quicks probably knowing that when the spinners come on it will be tough to score runs. Asitha bowled well as he usually does. I think it was good to see the way the bowlers adjusted," he said adding that they decided to bring him as late as in the 18th over due to a tactical reason.

"Charith, Kusal and I had a chat and we decided to hold myself back. The plan was that since they have too many left-handers in the top order, for me to come as late as possible and attack the right-handers," he said.

Hasaranga commended the batting unit for their **turnaround in the ODI format**, expressing his belief that they are progressing in the right direction under Charith Asalanka's leadership. He noted, "Charith conducts himself as a mature player. He manages the middle-order situations effectively and encourages the other batters to form partnerships."

"He has a knack to get the best out of his batting partners. He has been key for our success and he has been amongst runs for us in the last 18 months or so. Every batter has started contributing for the team. That's something that we didn't have a few years ago. Why we are wining consistently nowadays is that the batters are doing their job and things are made easy for the bowlers."

Despite facing several injury setbacks, Hasaranga expressed his satisfaction in contributing to the team's success, marking his 100th ODI wicket on the eighth anniversary of his international debut. He stated, "I have missed a significant amount of cricket due to injuries and surgery. The most challenging aspect was having to miss a World Cup due to injury. I am extremely happy to have contributed to Sri Lanka's success and take great pride in it."

"I wasn't aware of the 1000-run milestone but I knew I just needed one wicket for 100 wickets. It's a day I complete eight years as an international cricketer and very pleased with this and I hope to continue in the same way."