Dilruwan Jayarathne
Sri Lanka grew from strength to strength and defeated Bangladesh in their opening fixture of the showpiece event. However, they were handed a real challenge when they took on the Australian cricket team on Thursday.Earlier in the game, Australia captain Aaron Finch won the toss and elected to bowl first. Sri Lanka got off to a scintillating start but then decelerated their scoring rate after the Aussies kept them in check with regular wickets.
Kusal Perera scored 35 off 25 balls with the help of 4 fours and a six. Asalanka also scored 35 runs off 27 balls including 4 fours and a six. Rajapaksha scored 33 off 26 balls including 4 fours and a six.
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka had plenty of things to say at the post-match presentation. “Have to admit that wicket was too good. Got the start we needed but in the middle phase we couldn’t capitalise,” he added.
The skipper also explained what cost them the game. “Losing good batsmen in the middle cost us. The other day Asalanka took us home. Likewise, the batsmen who get set need to continue till 15-16 overs,” he said.
“That’s an area we have to be concerned about. Felt we were 25-30 runs short. We know how good those two batsmen are in world cricket (Finch and Warner),” he said.
“Needed to bowl well and contain them in the powerplay. Couldn’t do that. We know the Sharjah wicket, have played two games there. Should come well in that game,” Shanaka added.
Sri Lanka have 3 Upcoming Fixtures : WI, SA and ENG