Chris Silverwood rues poor batting for the defeat in the second ODI

Chris Silverwood, SL coach [Source: Twitter]

Sri Lanka's head coach Chris Silverwood lashed out at his batters for not playing spin well in the second ODI of the three-match series in Kolkata on Thursday, January 13.

After opting to bat first in the all-important second ODI, Avishka Fernando (20), Nuwanidu Fernando (50) and Kusal Mendis (34) made substantial contributions as Sri Lanka made a strong start with the bat. However, the visitors lost nine wickets for 114 runs to get bundled out for 215 in 39.4 overs. 

The visitors fought valiantly with the ball but couldn't defend the small target. KL Rahul led India's response with a fighting half-century. Playing his first game of the series, Kuldeep Yadav was at top of his game at Eden Gardens today to claim the Player of the match award for his spell of 3/53.

India beat Sri Lanka by 4 wickets to attain an unassailable 2-0 lead in a three-match series.

Reflecting on his team's performance, Silverwood expressed disappointment at the batting collapse and said that the batters struggled against Indian spinners.

"Credits to Indian side way they hold pressure. We (Sri Lanka) play spin well, but in this match we did not,"  said Chris Silverwood in the post-match press conference.

The third and final ODI of the three-match series between India and Sri Lanka will be played at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Sri Lanka will have to win this game in order to avoid a series whitewash on January 15.

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