(Source X)
Farveez Maharoof, a former international cricketer, voiced his disappointment and frustration regarding the Sri Lankan batters’ performance in the recent three-match T20I series against India. He expressed dismay that despite getting off to good starts, the Sri Lankan batsmen failed to capitalize on these opportunities, labeling their performance as ‘unacceptable’.
Led by Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka faced a heartbreaking loss to India in the series’ final T20I at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on July 30. Despite being in a commanding position at 110 for 1, they faltered in the run chase, losing their last seven wickets for just 22 runs. Although they managed to tie the match, Sri Lanka then lost both wickets for two runs in the subsequent Super Over.
Throughout the series, Sri Lanka’s middle-order batsmen struggled against India, epitomized by their collapse of nine wickets for 30 runs in the series opener and seven wickets for 31 runs in the second match. This batting inconsistency has drawn criticism from former cricketers, experts, and fans alike on various social media platforms.
Repeated Collapses From Strong Positions – Farveez Maharoof
Farveez Maharoof lamented Sri Lanka’s persistent batting collapses despite starting strongly. He expressed frustration at the team’s inability to convert promising beginnings into substantial innings. Maharoof described it as painful to witness and particularly challenging to commentate on during live broadcasts.
“Repeated collapses from strong positions were a disgrace. Our inability to capitalize on good starts is alarming and unacceptable! Not good enough at the international level as simple as that. Difficult to watch and even more difficult to call the play while on air!” Maharoof wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Washington Sundar awarded Player of the Match in Third T20I.
In a crucial turning point during the 16th over, young leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi ignited a collapse by dismissing Kusal Mendis, who had scored 43 runs off 41 balls. Washington Sundar, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rinku Singh each contributed with two wickets apiece. Notably, Yadav, in his maiden T20I over, played a pivotal role in pushing the match into a Super Over decider.
Washington Sundar played a decisive role for India in the match, bowling a crucial over where he conceded only two runs and claimed three wickets. This set the stage for Suryakumar Yadav to seal the victory with a boundary off the first ball of the Super Over. With this win, India completed a comprehensive 3-0 series sweep in the T20I series.
India had set a target of 137 runs, with Shubman Gill top-scoring with 39 runs off 37 deliveries, which included three boundaries. Contributions from Washington Sundar (25 off 18 balls) and Riyan Parag (26 off 18 balls) bolstered India’s total. Maheesh Theekshana led the Sri Lankan bowling attack with figures of 3/28, while Wanindu Hasaranga took two wickets conceding 29 runs.