Sri Lanka's fielding revolution sparks ODI resurgence

If there was one glaring chink in Sri Lanka's armour during their disastrous 2023 World Cup campaign, it was their fielding. Sloppy, uninspired and error-strewn, the islanders dropped more catches than any other team, earning the unenviable tag of the worst fielding side in the tournament.

- BY REX CLEMENTINE

The nadir came in Hyderabad when, despite posting a daunting 344 against Pakistan, Sri Lanka fluffed their lines in the field. Dropped catches and misfields allowed Pakistan to gallop home, completing the highest successful run chase in World Cup history.

Much had been made of a foreign Fielding Coach who came in with high expectations but failed to spark improvement. Following the debacle, the Sri Lankan think-tank turned their gaze inward. The Under-19 team, widely praised for its athleticism and intensity in the field, had a gem in Upul Chandana - a coach with a knack for getting the best out of young players.

Chandana was fast-tracked into the senior setup and under his watchful eye - and with Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya, a stickler for discipline, backing the process — Sri Lanka's fielding has undergone a transformation.

That turnaround was on full display in the first ODI against Bangladesh at RPS on Wednesday.