Jeffrey Vandersay stunned the Indian team on Sunday (Image: @SonyLIV on X)
Sri Lanka spinner Jeffrey Vandersay stunned fans on social media with his immaculate performance in the second ODI against India on Sunday, August 4. The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is hosting the closely contested encounter.
Sri Lanka reached a formidable total of 240 on a spinning track in the first innings, with significant contributions from Avishka Fernando (40) and Kamindu Mendis (40). Meanwhile, Washington Sundar claimed three scalps for the visitors.
In response, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave a blistering start to the Indian team with their positive intent. Rohit continued his good form in this game as well by hitting 64 off 44, while Gill garnered 35 off 44. However, Vandersay turned the game on its head by dismissing both batters.
The right-arm spinner found purchase from the surface and spun a web around Indian batters, who could not read him. The Men in Blue collapsed from 97/0 to 147/6 in 9.4 overs.
Jeffrey Vandersay accounted for all the dismissals and became the first-ever spinner to take each of the first six wickets of the opposition’s innings in an ODI. Interestingly, he was called up as a replacement ahead of this game after Wanindu Hasaranga suffered an injury and has wreaked havoc.
Fans expressed their amazement at Vandersay’s impressive bowling performance on X. They also made humorous comparisons to Ajantha Mendis, who stunned India with his figures of 6/13 in the Asia Cup 2008 final. Here are some reactions:
Here are the other reactions:
“Jeffrey Vandersay is redefining what it means to be a game-changer in cricket. This is just the beginning of a brilliant career!” a user posted.
“Bro literally broke the backbone, hands, legs etc of our so called experienced powerful batting line-up single handedly. First player to pick first 6 wickets of opposition innings 👏🏻👏🏻”a fan tweeted.
“Just now heard this name Jeffrey Vandersay…. and he is owning our batting Lineup with only 22 matches experience!! UNBELIEVABLE!!” another fan wrote.
Jeffrey Vandersay’s break helps India stay in the hunt in IND vs SL 2nd ODI
After Jeffrey Vandersay discontinued his spell, India got back on track with Axar Patel and Washington Sundar at the crease. In particular, Patel played the spinners brilliantly and increased the tempo of the Indian team.
Unfortunately, the southpaw was dismissed for a well-compiled 44 off as many balls, with four fours and two sixes. At the time of writing, the Men in Blue are at 186/7 in the 35th over.
