Sri Lanka riding high on an impressive run

Rex Clementine at Pallekele

Sri Lanka’s national cricket team is on a roll, hitting its stride since the new management and selection panel took the reins in January. The team has chalked up victories in 11 out of 14 series across formats in 2024, with their home record being particularly stellar—bagging nine wins out of ten series.

After pulling off a remarkable come-from-behind victory over the third-ranked West Indies at Dambulla in T20s, Sri Lanka sealed an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series at Pallekele on Wednesday, rendering Saturday’s third game a mere formality.

Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was the toast of the day, spinning his magic with a four-wicket haul.

“We were over the moon to beat India earlier this year — it had been far too long since we had managed that. Consistency has been the name of the game for us this year, and that’s a great sign,” Hasaranga told reporters. “Looking ahead, we’ve got both a T20 and a 50-over World Cup in the next three years, and it’s exciting times ahead. Most of the guys in the squad now will be key players in those events.”

The only fly in the ointment during Wednesday’s match was a couple of dropped catches. Sri Lanka had the West Indies on the ropes at 58 for eight, but two fielding lapses allowed Sherfane Rutherford and Gudakesh Motie to mount a spirited comeback, stitching together a record-breaking 119-run partnership for the ninth wicket.

“We spilled two catches, which was disappointing. These things happen, but if it becomes a habit, we’ll have to nip it in the bud. I’m confident the boys will bounce back and put on a good show in the next game,” Hasaranga said.

Hasaranga’s return to the side marks his comeback from injury, having missed the ODI leg of the Indian series due to a nagging hamstring issue.

“You’ve got to stay on top of your fitness because we’re constantly playing white-ball cricket. This is my sixth hamstring injury, so I’m working closely with the trainer and physio to ensure it doesn’t rear its ugly head again,” Hasaranga added.

Despite the team’s recent purple patch, it’s been a mixed bag for Hasaranga personally. His short-lived tenure as Sri Lanka’s T20 captain came to an end after just five months, with Charith Asalanka taking over the reins. He also found himself dropping down the batting order, from a regular number seven to occasionally floating at four or five, and now finding himself at number nine. Nevertheless, he’s more than willing to roll with the punches for the sake of the team.

“That’s a decision made by the coach and captain when the team was picked. My job is to give my all, regardless of where I bat,” Hasaranga said.

Speaking about Asalanka, Hasaranga couldn’t hide his admiration. “I’ve known Charith as captain since our school days, from Under-13 to Under-19. He’s a smart skipper and a true leader of men. The whole team stands firmly behind him.”