Given the outcomes of the last two ODI encounters between Sri Lanka and India before this white-ball series, where India overwhelmingly defeated Sri Lanka by 302 runs in the Cricket World Cup 2023 and subsequently bowled out the hosts for a paltry 50 in the first innings of the Asia Cup 2023 final, it is surprising that India now finds itself in a precarious position, trailing 1-0 with the final match scheduled for August 7, 2024.
Ahead of the final ODI of the series, Indian all-rounder, Washington Sundar, defended his team’s capabilities and the proficiency of the batters. He noted that while the final game was expected to feature similar spin-friendly conditions, he emphasized that the team was replete with adept players of spin. Sundar highlighted that many team members possessed significant experience playing on such turning tracks, having faced similar conditions in domestic matches and even in the longest format of the game.
"We're quality players of spin. The first two games have been played on exceedingly spin-friendly pitches, and more of the same is expected for Wednesday. We've always played on these kinds of pitches, even at home, even in Test matches. In domestic cricket, we play a lot of games on such wickets," stated Sundar, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Sundar, who was named Player of the Series in the recently concluded series against Zimbabwe, remarked that the key lay in each player adhering to their strengths and executing their roles effectively. He also noted that the Indian team had consistently demonstrated collective resilience over the years, with every player stepping up to the challenge when needed. Sundar expressed confidence in the team's ability to stage a comeback.
"It's just a matter of finding a way in their own individual self, and trying to get the job done. Everyone knows it's a challenging wicket. The Indian team has always been one where everyone puts their hands up, especially when the challenge arises," mentioned Sundar.
It's an opportunity for us to find a way to get the job done in crunch situations: Sundar
Sundar expressed the goal of restricting Sri Lanka to 200 runs or fewer if the hosts bat first in the final ODI, recalling that they had previously put Sri Lanka in similar predicaments. He viewed the third ODI as a crucial opportunity for the team to demonstrate their ability to perform under pressure, emphasizing that such critical scenarios are likely to arise in future tournaments.
"We'd love to get them out for 200 or less than that. We had them in that situation in both matches. With big tournaments coming up, we'll be in similar situations, and it's an opportunity for us to find a way to get the job done in crunch situations. We just need to put our hands up and win those critical situations in the game," added Sundar.
A significant challenge for India in this series has been their inability to curtail Sri Lanka’s lower-middle order batters, particularly Dunith Wellalage, from constructing crucial partnerships in the final 10 overs. This issue will undoubtedly be at the forefront of Sundar’s mind, as he is one of the three spinners expected to play a pivotal role in thwarting any potential middle-order partnerships by the Lankans in the final match of the series.
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