Team India snatched a victory from the jaws of defeat against Sri Lanka in the second ODI played on Tuesday, 20 July. Suryakumar Yadav and Deepak Chahar scored half-centuries in a tough situation to help team India cross the line.
Pakistan wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal was all praise of the skill and composure shown by the inexperienced Deepak Chahar and newbie Suryakumar Yadav. He opined that Suryakumar Yadav set the game up for India by playing an effortless innings. He said that the Mumbai batsman played like a player with experience of 70-80 ODIs.
“The way Suryakumar Yadav batted, it was unbelievable. He showed the maturity and composure of a 70-80 ODI matches player. His vast experience of playing domestic cricket augured well for him. He played authoritatively during his stay at the crease but unfortunately got LBW at a crucial moment." Kamran Akmal said on his YouTube channel.
It was the first time since 2015 that India chased a total of 250+ without the top three scoring 50 or more runs. The 39-year old felt that team India’s experience and composure helped them chase 276 after the top order failed.
"Credit to the Indian team. To win on the Sri Lankan soil with the young team and new coaching staff is a commendable job. Also, they did it against the regular side of the home team, which is not an easy task,” he said.
"India played very well on this tour, especially in the second ODI. Even after losing six wickets at just 160, they still managed to win the game from that dire situation,” he added.
Kamran Akmal also said that Sri Lanka had improved their game and performed well. He said that the team needs their batsmen to step up.
"Sri Lanka has improved their overall game from the previous contest and performed well, but batsman let the team down again. The batsmen got out at the wrong time after getting set
Avishka Fernando should have converted his 50 into a big one. Chamika Karunaratne played well in the end and finished well. The Indian bowlers did not look threatening to take wickets but bowled tight lines and controlled the run flow,” he concluded.
(Inputs: Sportskeeda)
