NEW DELHI: If catches win matches, run outs can also change the complexion of the game. And when it's a direct hit, the impact can be the deciding factor too.
In the second ODI between India and Sri Lanka at Colombo on Sunday, the hosts defeated the Rohit Sharma-led side by 32 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The first ODI had ended in a tie on Friday.
In the last over of the Lankan innings of the second ODI, when the hosts were looking for quick runs, Shreyas Iyer effected a stunning run out to dismiss Kamindu Mendis.
While trying to pull, Mendis top edged the penultimate delivery of the over from Arshdeep Singh to deep mid-wicket and scrambled for a run. Iyer collected the ball on the bounce as Mendis returned for a second run to keep strike on the last ball.
But Iyer released a gun throw with almost one stump to aim at from deep mid-wicket to dislodge the bails at the striker's end without a bounce.
The stunning throw caught Mendis short of his ground as he walked away without even looking at the umpire.
The official broadcaster of the series shared a video of the run out on their official X handle:
India restricted Sri Lanka to 240/9. That they collapsed against the Lankan spin to be bundled out for 208 in 42.2 overs is another story.
