(Source X)
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team, captained by Charith Asalanka, clashed with the India National Cricket Team led by Suryakumar Yadav in the third and final T20I of India’s tour of Sri Lanka 2024. The match took place on Tuesday, July 30, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Asalanka’s team came into the third T20I having already lost the first two matches, resulting in a series defeat. Their performance in both bowling and batting had been lackluster, leading to significant losses against the Men in Blue.
In the first match, the Sri Lankan bowlers struggled as the Indian batsmen dominated the first half of the innings, ultimately setting a formidable target of 213/7. Despite a partial recovery in the latter half, Sri Lanka fell short, managing only 170 runs in 19.2 overs, losing by 43 runs.
The second T20I saw a similar pattern for the Lankan Lions. Despite a promising start with the bat, they suffered a collapse and could only muster 161/9, a below-par score. In a rain-affected match, India was set a revised target of 78 runs, which they chased down comfortably with 9 balls to spare and 7 wickets in hand, showcasing Sri Lanka’s ineffective bowling.
Overall, it was a disappointing series for Charith Asalanka’s team, marred by inconsistent performances that led to their series loss to India.
I am really disappointed about our batting line-up, middle-order and lower middle-order – Charith Asalanka
In the third T20I, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl first. Their bowlers put up an impressive display in the initial innings, restricting the formidable Indian team to just 137/9.
In their chase, similar to the previous matches, Sri Lanka’s top order started strongly, suggesting a comfortable victory was within reach. However, a dramatic collapse saw them lose 7 wickets for just 29 runs in the final 5 overs. Their struggle against Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh’s bowling prowess forced the match into a Super Over.
During the Super Over, Sri Lanka’s batting woes continued as they managed to score only 2 runs before losing both Nissanka and Perera in quick succession. When it came to their turn to bowl, they failed to defend the minimal target, conceding the required runs on the very first ball.
At the post-match presentation, Charith Asalanka expressed deep disappointment with the Lankan Lions’ batting performance, particularly criticizing their shot selection under pressure.
“I am really disappointed about our batting line-up, middle-order and lower middle-order. Very bad shot selection was the reason.”
Discussing the alteration in the batting lineup, Charith Asalanka disclosed that they had elevated Wanindu Hasaranga in hopes of injecting some boundary-hitting prowess, a move that unfortunately did not yield the desired outcome. Asalanka emphasized the team’s imperative to improve their batting displays significantly as they look forward to the upcoming ODI series against India.
“Spinners were bowling that’s why Hasaranga came up the order. He had the license to hit one or two boundaries, that didn’t happen. Wrong shot selection on this pitch. Definitely (it was gettable), we need to do more as professional cricketers. I want to see good batting performances in the ODIs. Our top three and four have done well and that’s the only positive for us.”
Next up, both the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and the India National Cricket Team are set to compete in a three-match ODI series. These matches are slated to take place on August 2, 4, and 7 in Colombo.
