IND vs SL 2023: We could not put enough runs on the board – Dasun Shanaka

Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka admitted his team could not put enough runs on the board after they lost the second ODI against India by four wickets at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Thursday. After winning the toss, Sri Lanka was bundled out for a paltry score of 215 runs.

In fact, the visitors looked all set to post 300 runs on the board as they were 102-1 with debutant Nuwanindu Fernando impressing on his maiden outing. However, the tourists lost the next five wickets for 24 runs and slipped to 126-5.

Kuldeep Yadav was the chief destroyer in the middle overs, taking three wickets in quick time. Sri Lanka kept losing wickets at regular intervals and failed to capitalize on the good start they got.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan fast bowlers did make it difficult for India to chase down the score. Sri Lanka had India on the mat at 86-4 and if not for KL Rahul’s knock of 64, the home team would have struggled to cross the line. Lahiru Kumara impressed with his pace and took two wickets whereas Chamika Karunaratne also returned with two wickets for the visitors.

Shanaka feels the batters not getting starts is a concern for his team and they will need to come up with improved performances.

Dasun Shanaka said in the post-match presentation, “Not enough runs on the board. We got a good start with the bat and then lost a few wickets. We discussed that it was a very flat deck. 300+ was the score to set, but Kuldeep bowled really well in the middle phase. Batsmen not getting starts is a big concern. We had a chance because the ball was moving. I asked the fast bowlers to stick to their basics and move the ball.”

Sri Lankan batters let the team down as they could only manage 215 runs on a pitch, which wasn’t too difficult to bat on, especially in the first innings. There were quite a few soft dismissals and poor shot selection from the visiting team.

The third ODI between India and Sri Lanka will be played at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.