by Rex Clementine

Quietly, Sri Lankan fans are sensing that their team is going to make an impact in the T-20 World Cup. Written off by experts and little momentum behind their campaign following the 3-0 drubbing at the hands of South Africa at home, Sri Lanka had to qualify. Having done that in style with three big wins, the former champions came up with a superb effort to chase a massive 172 run target with seven balls to spare against Bangladesh in Sharjah yesterday.

Sri Lanka’s bowling has been top class during the qualifiers but in their first Super 12 game, the bowlers conceded too many runs and the target looked beyond them. More so as the team’s two leading match winners Kusal Perera (1) and Avishka Fernando (0) departed cheaply. By half way mark, Sri Lanka were 79 for four and with Mustafizur Rahman and Shakib Al Hasan having got lots of overs at their disposal, Bangladesh were favourites.

Then came a brilliant counterattack by Charith Asalanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa. They did not allow the run rate to climb up too high finding the boundary frequently and there was excellent running between the wickets to put pressure on Bangladesh.

Bangladesh were sloppy on the field with Liton Das grassing two catches and Sri Lanka weren’t going to miss out from thereon.

Captain in waiting Charith Asalanka was brilliant. Having replaced former captain Dinesh Chandimal in the side, he has added depth into batting occupying the crucial number three slot. Everyone knows that this Asalanka is a consistent batsman but he showcased a new skill to his game coming up with a few big hits. More importantly, his game sense was excellent. Once Sri Lanka had things under control, requiring run a ball, he was happy to pick up the singles.

There were five sixes and five fours in Asalanka’s innings as he finished unbeaten on 80 off 49 balls.

Providing him company was Bhanuka Rajapaksa. There have been a few questions asked about Bhankua’s temperament, fitness and even at times skill. But he silenced his critics with a half-century that was much needed for Sri Lanka.

Bhanuka’s ability to clear the ropes was in display as he finished with a strike rate of 170 finding the boundary when Sri Lanka desperately needed them. There were three sixes and three fours in his 53 that came off 31 balls. Is there a better way to celebrate your birthday?

Their 86 run stand is the highest for the fifth wicket for Sri Lanka.

There’s a feel good factor in the Sri Lankan camp. Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando are yet to fire big and they will take the form of Bhanuka and Asalanka as a bonus.

The national cricket team has a habit of raising their performances in ICC events and their effort yesterday gave fans lot of hope. Asalanka has been an excellent find while Bhanuka is set to be ranked alongside the likes of Pollard and Maxwell.