Sri Lanka's Charith Asalanka attains this bowling feat in ODIs
Charith Asalanka led Sri Lanka from the front in the 2nd ODI against India at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Asalanka starred with his all-round exploits as the Lankans successfully defended 240. Jeffery Vandersey shone with a six-fer. The former first scored 24(42) and then took three wickets with his off-spin. He recorded the best ODI figures by a SL captain against India.
Asalanka takes three wickets
India, who were cruising at 97/0 in the run-chase, succumbed to leg-spinner Vandersey. He took India's first six wickets as they were down to 147/6. However, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar kept India alive. SL skipper Asalanka then chipped in, having dismissed both Axar and Sundar. He dismissed Mohammed Siraj to take his final wicket. Asalanka conceded 20 runs in 6.2 overs (two maidens).
Asalanka scripts history
As mentioned, Asalanka now has the best bowling figures by a Sri Lanka captain against India in ODI cricket. Notably, Thisara Perera is the only other Sri Lanka captain with a three-wicket haul in ODI cricket. It is worth noting that only four other Lankan cricketers have a wicket as captain in the format.
A handy 25 for SL
As mentioned, Asalanka scored a 42-ball 25 in the first innings. His wicket came against the run of play for the Lankans. Off-spinner Sundar dismissed the Lankan skipper, who was caught and bowled.
A look at his career stats
Asalanka, Sri Lanka's captain in white-ball cricket, has racked up 1,957 runs from 61 ODIs at an average of 42.54. His tally includes three tons and 12 half-centuries. Aslanka made his ODI debut in 2021 in a match against England at Chester-le-Street. In a career spanning over three years, he has also taken 11 wickets at a decent average of 19.72.
