Akila Dananjaya choose cricket over honeymoon to register career-best ODI figures

After experiencing a one-way traffic in first of five ODI Internationals, it was the two experienced campaigners from India, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Bhuvneshwar Kumar who helped the team cross the winning line at Pallekele. They survived a middle order collapse to beat Sri Lanka by three wickets to take a 2-0 lead in the series.

Indian bowlers once again put an impressive performance to restrict the opposition to 236/8 in 50 overs. Sri Lanka’s power packed batting line-up had to experience India’s lethal bowling attack and one would have to say, their top order had no answers to it. However, Milinda Siriwardana and Chamara Kapugedera helped the home team post a respectable total.

Chasing 231 runs for victory as per the Duckworth-Lewis Stern method, India was cruising towards victory when a magical spell by Dananjaya put the cat among the pigeons. A six-wicket haul by 25-year-old lad not only put India on the back foot but has also cleared his intentions for the remainder of the series.

Hero of his own script

Though the match eventually rolled out in favour of the visitors but, young Akila Dananjaya finished with career-best bowling figures of 6 for 54 runs. The day became even more special for Dananjaya as he had tied a knot less than 24 hours ago at his home town Moratuwa with his childhood friend Nethali Tekshini.

What adds the cherry to the cake is his eagerness to represent the national team, he opted to be back with the boys ahead of second ODI rather than going on a honeymoon. Interestingly, Dananjaya’s wife was present at the ground to witness her husband’s dream spell. He was definitely the hero of his own script which turned at the last minute.

Important clash

With this, the excitement of the second ODI the two teams will take on each other in the much important clash at Colombo which will either turn out to be a decider or keep the series alive.