Sri Lanka spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has praised his the side’s depth in fielding during the first ODI match against Bangladesh on July 02.

He believes that Asalanka’s century and their efforts in the field have helped the side to post a 77-run victory in the first ODI of the Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka 2025.

Chasing the target Bangladesh were in strong position with 100/1 before the visitors batting line up collapsed as Milan Rathnayake came up with a flat throw from the deep square to run out Najmul Hossain brilliantly.

Tanzid Hasan who scored half century, was sent out after Litton Das’ duck by a stunning catch by Janith Liyanage at mid-off and what followed next was one spectacular collapse.

“Milan Rathnayake was outstanding. So was Janith Liyanage. We have shown that how we can change games with our fielding and this game is a further proof for that,” Hasaranga said.

“They were cruising at one stage. That run out from Milan changed the game. Then of course Janith Liyanage pulled off a stunner and that turned the game in our favour.

Wanindu Hasaranga added that they were confident of defending their total after putting up close to 250 on the board.

“It is the usual RPS wicket. When we played Australia and India, we knew if we get something in between 240 to 250 batting first, we could defend that with the bowling we have. It is the usual RPS pitch,” said Wanindu Hasaranga.

“I think they felt that they should go with a seam heavy attack. But you need to adjust to conditions quickly. Bangladeshi batters took on our quicks probably knowing that when the spinners come on it will be tough to score runs. Asitha bowled well as he usually does.

“Charith, Kusal and I had a chat and we decided to hold myself back. The plan was that since they have too many left-handers in the top order, for me to come as late as possible and attack the right-handers,” he said.

He also acknowledged the batting unit as he feels that they are going in the right direction under the leadership of Charith Asalanka.

“He (Charith) goes around his business as a mature player. He handles the middle situations well and gets the other batters to build partnerships,” said Hasaranga.

“He has a knack to get the best out of his batting partners. He has been key for our success and he has been amongst runs for us in the last 18 months or so. Every batter has started contributing for the team.”

“That’s something that we didn’t have a few years ago. Why we are wining consistently nowadays is that the batters are doing their job and things are made easy for the bowlers.”

Wanindu Hasaranga said that he is happy to contribute for the team despite several injury setbacks as he completed his 100th ODI wicket on the eighth anniversary of his internation debut.