Sri Lanka exit after quite a show

Rex Clementine
in St. Lucia

The press has been ruthless demanding curators back home to give good pitches. The reason being that if you play on doctored pitches and beat strong opponents at home, when you go for ICC events you have nowhere to hide. But it was the other way around this time. It was so disappointing to see the tracks on which the World Cup of the United States leg was played on. They were two paced and not batting friendly at all.

Sri Lanka were found wanting on these dodgy tracks. By the time they came to the West Indies where the wicket was flat, their campaign was over. Their game against Netherlands on Sunday was a dead rubber.

There’s no point in blaming the pitch and all. A batting line up as experienced as this should have seen the team through. Two hours of madness in New York and Dallas has seen Sri Lanka make an early exit.

In St. Lucia, although Pathum Nissanka fell early and not many runs came in the Power Play, Kusal Mendis gave Sri Lanka a good platform. Dhananjaya de Silva at number three ensured there was no collapse during their 45-run partnership. Then Charith Asalanka provided the acceleration with 46 off 21 balls that included five sixes.

The vice-captain fell with the score on 166 and 15 deliveries remaining. Former captain Dasun Shanaka fell for a first ball duck as his wretched run in the series continued.

Sri Lanka could have got bowled out again as they were down to the tail. But Angelo Mathews (30) and Wanindu Hasaranga (20) ensured that the total went beyond 200.

There was plenty of big hitting no doubt, but more importantly, Sri Lanka ran the twos and threes well. Something that they have failed to do in the competition. Not that they put the pressure on fielders sufficiently, but Sunday’s show was far better than the sloppy cricket they have showcased so far in the tournament.

The run chase went well for the Scots as the openers added 45 runs. But soon, the scoreboard pressure took to them. Kusal Mendis was clever behind the stumps effecting two stumpings and a run out. Catching in the outfield too was superb as Sri Lanka bowled out the Dutch for 118 in 16.4 overs to complete an 83-run win.

Nuwan Thushara was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets while Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana picked up two wickets apiece.