"Washington Sundar is criminally underrated in the team" - Fans hail off-spinner for game-changing spell vs Sri Lanka in 2nd ODI
Team India off-spinning all-rounder Washington Sundar continued a memorable Sri Lankan tour in the second ODI at Colombo on Sunday (August 4). Coming off a sensational Player of the Match performance with two wickets and 25 runs in the final T20I of India's 3-0 series win before the ODIs, Sundar impressed yet again in the ongoing clash after a quiet outing in the series opener.
With the ODI series tied at 0-0 after the tied game two days back, India were asked to bowl first after losing the toss in the second ODI. The home side recovered from a dismal start of 0-1 to reach 74/1 in the 17th over when Sundar began weaving his magic.
The 24-year-old removed both well-set batters Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis for 40 and 30, respectively, to reduce the Lankans to 79/3 in no time. Sundar wasn't finished denting the Sri Lankans as he returned in his final spell to dismiss another well-set batter in skipper Charirth Asalanka for 25.
He finished with outstanding figures of 3/30 in 10 overs to propel India into the ascendency after a solid start from the hosts.
Fans on X praised Sundar for his game-changing spell. One fan wrote:
"Washington Sundar is criminally underrated in the team , blud always perform whenever given opportunity but no one notices him, another brilliant performance today. #INDvsSL"
Here are some more reactions:
The praises continued for Sundar with one fan saying:
"Washington Sundar having a tour to remember so far in conditions that suit his game perfectly. 3/29 today after a player of the match performance in the 3rd T20I."
"Sundar can be the successor of Ashwin in tests," said a fan.
"Amazing bowling by Washington Sundar 10 overs 3 wickets 1 maiden 3 economy," a fan tweeted.
Washington Sundar's 3-wicket spell leaves Sri Lanka in trouble
After the thrilling tied encounter in the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka, both teams entered the ongoing contest with much on the line.
With the track in Colombo expected to aid spin, Sri Lanka won a crucial toss and elected to bat first. However, they lost in-form opener Pathum Nissanka to Mohammed Siraj for a duck off the first ball of the innings.
While Sundar helped break the blossoming second-wicket partnership, he received excellent support from his spin-bowling partners. The duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel picked up a wicket each and bowled economical spells to combine for figures of 2/53 in 16 overs.
The Indian bowlers' consistent wicket-taking has left Sri Lanka searching for momentum as they find themselves 166/6 in 41 overs.