Khettarama Pitch Collapse Begins with Batting Optimism
Khettarama pitch collapse has once again grabbed the cricket world’s attention. The venue, often known for spin trickery and unpredictable bounce, was promised to behave better this time — a bit more batting-friendly, as per Sri Lanka’s stand-in ODI captain Charith Asalanka.
Ahead of the ODI against Bangladesh, Asalanka assured that this pitch would be more supportive to batters. He backed this belief by selecting three seamers, including debutant Milan Rathnayake, and dropping Dunith Wellalage, a spinner who averages just 16.60 with the ball at this ground.
It was a calculated gamble based on the belief that the Khettarama pitch would offer balance — not its usual sinister turners. For the first half of the match, it looked like Asalanka had read the surface perfectly.
First 66.2 Overs: Calm Before the Khettarama Pitch Collapse
For nearly 66.2 overs, the pitch gave no hint of the Khettarama pitch collapse that was to follow. Batters from both sides hit through the line. The bounce was even. Seamers were punished for short and full deliveries alike.
Sri Lanka, despite losing early wickets and never really building strong partnerships, posted 244 all out, largely due to Asalanka’s excellent 106 off 123 balls. His form has quietly become a mainstay for Sri Lanka in ODIs.
Even then, 244 looked 30 runs short, especially with Bangladesh reaching 99 for 1 without much struggle. But in true Khettarama fashion, the narrative took a dark twist.
Suddenly: The Khettarama Pitch Collapse Strikes
The Khettarama pitch collapse unfolded in a span of just 36 deliveries. Bangladesh went from 99 for 1 to 105 for 7, losing six wickets for six runs. Eventually, the stat read: seven wickets lost for five runs, the worst-ever collapse from wicket No. 2 to No. 8 in ODI history.
It was not just spin. It was spin sorcery. And it came from an unlikely magician.
Kamindu Mendis: Ambidextrous Spin Wizard of Khettarama
In the heart of the Khettarama pitch collapse was Kamindu Mendis, primarily known as a batter. He bowled with both arms — left-arm orthodox to right-handers, and right-arm offspin to left-handers.
He dismissed three batters for 19 runs, including Taskin Ahmed, lbw via offspin — bowled with his right hand! His ability to spin the ball both ways created constant doubts in the minds of the batters. As Wanindu Hasaranga, who took 4 for 10, said:
“When there’s a left-hand/right-hand combo, Kamindu can turn the ball away from both. That made my job easier. Players like that are really valuable.”
The Khettarama pitch collapse was now in full swing, and the Sri Lankan spinners were enjoying every moment.
A Pitch with Two Faces: Strategy vs. Collapse
Asalanka’s pre-match planning worked well — but in a different way. Even though the pitch was supposed to favor batters, the second innings showed the Khettarama pitch collapse lurking just beneath the surface.
On one side, Sri Lanka’s batters struggled early but adjusted. Bangladesh, however, fell into their old pattern — reminiscent of the 1990s — and collapsed without much resistance.
From 99 for 1 to 105 for 7, it was not just a tactical failure — it was a mental one. Bangladesh’s middle and lower order had no answers to the spin mayhem, nor did they attempt to grind through the storm.
Stats That Defined the Khettarama Pitch Collapse
- Bangladesh: 99/1 to 105/7
- 7 wickets fell for 5 runs — new ODI record
- Kamindu Mendis: 3/19 with both arms
- Wanindu Hasaranga: 4/10 — best figures in match
- Sri Lanka’s total: 244 all out
- Bangladesh: Collapsed from a winning position
These numbers don’t just tell a story — they rewrite one.
Full live scorecard of the match :- ESPNcricinfo
🇱🇰 Innovation Meets History at Khettarama
Sri Lanka has a history of cricketing innovation — carrom ball, mystery spinners, and now dual-arm bowlers. Just days before, Tharindu Rathnayake took wickets with both arms in a Test match.
The Khettarama pitch collapse now adds another chapter to this unique cricketing culture. In Sri Lanka, pitches have a mind of their own, spinners are reinvented, and batters can never afford to relax — even on a so-called batting deck.
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