MS Dhoni dismisses Gunathilaka off a fumble equalling Sangakkara's feat

One of the most awaited feat prior to the start of the India-Sri Lanka series was MS Dhoni being just a three stumpings away to become the wicket keeper with the most number of dismissals via stumping. Before today, Kumar Sangakkara headed the list with 99 dismissals in his celebrated ODI career.

Dhoni inched closer to Sanga’s feat in the First ODI at Dambulla after he dismissed Lasith Malinga, who charged Yuzvendra Chahal in his attempt to hit another maximum. Chahal, using all his guile, pitched the ball way outside the reach of Malinga as Dhoni dislodged the bails in a typical fashion.

After a flying start from Dickwella, today in the 2nd ODI, Gunathilaka and Mendis were looking to consolidate as they looked to forge a partnership. However, it Yuzvendra Chahal yet again who bamboozled the left hander who was charging down the wicket to pick up a boundary, in his attempt to break the shackles. Gunathilaka had a glimmer of hope as MS Dhoni fumbled one during his take.

Gunathilaka could only watch yards away from the crease as MSD kept his cool and gathered the lobbing ball and dislodged the bails for the 99th time in his ODI career, equaling the record of the great Sangakkara. The speciality in his feat is that MS Dhoni only required 298 games to equal Sanga who instead required 404 games to set the record. Romesh Kaluwitharana is next in the list of most number of stumpings with 75 dismissals to his name.

Here’s the video

It was yet another one sided contest at Pallekele as Sri Lanka crawled to a total of 236 after losing eight wickets. Although, the Lankans would take some heart out of the performances from Kapugedera and Siriwardena who took their team to a respectable total after being reduced to 121-5. India now has to chase down 237 to go 2-0 up in the 5-match ODI series.