IND vs SL: KL Rahul’s successful chase and Kuldeep Yadav’s surprising spin seal the series for team India

Team India have sealed their first ODI series win of the year after the iconic Eden Gardens witnessed an incredible journey of 2nd ODI which was ultimately won by team India, thereby which Rohit Sharma and company won the ODI series followed by T20I win.

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India was forced to work hard despite expectations that they would easily pursue the easy target at the iconic Eden Gardens. Although Sri Lanka’s bowlers put forth a valiant effort and improved their bowling, they were unable to score enough runs as the Indian bowlers provided the foundation for this victory by dismissing their opponents for a score of 215. With a three-for, Kuldeep Yadav set off a collapse in which the Lankans lost five wickets for 24 runs. They passed the 200-run threshold thanks to three successive 25+ partnerships from the lower order SL batsmen, but they were skittled out in just 40 overs.

In response, India’s openers – Gill and Rohit initiated with a determined intent to score runs quickly and were primarily aiming for boundaries. However, both of them were dismissed within the period of four deliveries, dropping India to 41 for 2 in the sixth over. After making a strong opening pull shot, Virat Kohli was bowled out by Kumara on the very next delivery. Kumara would keep this wicket forever in his mind because of his spectacular delivery which struck through the wickets.

India’s top three players were lost during the first powerplay despite the scoring rate being higher than 6 RPO. Shreyas Iyer was lbw when Rajitha used his second spell to trap him. The game was in a precarious position at 86/4. At that time, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya teamed up and chose a conservative strategy. avoided taking unnecessary risks and batted sensibly as they steadied the partnership beyond 50 runs.

With India still requiring 55 runs to win, Karunaratne ended the 75-run partnership. Axar batted well and died trying to make a big shot. Rahul, on the other hand, maintained his composure throughout, leading his team to victory.