IND vs SL: Axar Patel's spectacular catch sends Chamika Karunaratne packing

The Indian team took a giant stride towards sealing the three-match ODI series after dismantling the Sri Lankans for a paltry total in the first innings of the second match at the iconic Eden Gardens. While the bowlers impressed for a second consecutive game for the hosts, Axar Patel's superb catch to dismiss Chamika Karunaratne was one of the highlights of the first innings.

Mohammed Siraj provided another great start to the home side with the new ball after cleaning up Avishka Fernando in the sixth over of the match. However, it was a masterclass in spin bowling from the returning Kuldeep Yadav, that rattled the Lankan batting order. With seven of their best batters in the dressing room, Chamika Karunaratne and Dunith Wellalage tried to steady the ship with a brief partnership.

However, India's tearaway pacer Umran Malik returned to break the partnership, denting the Lankan hopes of a fightback. Malik's pacy delivery hurried Karunaratne, who could only find Axar Patel in the point region. It was a stunning grab from the Indian all-rounder as he reacted brilliantly to snaffle up the catch while diving to his left.

A screamer taken at point!@akshar2026's safe hands sends Karunaratne packing.

How much will #TeamIndia restrict 🇱🇰 to?
Tune-in to the 2nd Mastercard #INDvSL ODI LIVE, on Star Sports & Disney+Hotstar.#BelieveInBluepic.twitter.com/Ov6LgCCnvp

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 12, 2023

Axar, who is a brilliant fielder, was like a magnet on the field as he completed three catches in the innings, including the one of the well-set Wellalage. The left-arm spinner also contributed handsomely with the ball, returning with impressive bowling figures of 1/16 in his five overs. His only wicket in the match came when he castled Dhananjaya de Silva for a first-ball duck.

His bowling and fielding efforts coupled with a clinical bowling performance by the Indian bowlers meant that the visitors finished with a modest total of 215 runs, failing to play out their full quota of 50 overs.

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