(Source X)
Kamran Akmal recently voiced his critique of the Sri Lankan cricket team’s performance in the ongoing T20I series against India. He pointed out that Sri Lankan players lacked both tactical awareness and accountability, likening their approach to that of inexperienced school cricketers.
In the second T20I at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, suffered a seven-wicket defeat in a rain-affected match. Despite starting promisingly and reaching 130 runs for the loss of three wickets in 15 overs, the home team faltered towards the end. Their inability to capitalize in the final overs saw them score only 31 runs in the last 30 deliveries, losing seven wickets in the process. This disappointing display resulted in their series loss, trailing 2-0 with one match remaining.
In a recent video posted on his YouTube channel, Kamran Akmal didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Sri Lankan batsmen’s performance in the T20I series against India. Akmal specifically pointed out the issue of poor shot selection among the Sri Lankan batters, emphasizing their failure to take responsibility for their innings. He highlighted critical dismissals such as those of Wanindu Hasaranga and Dasun Shanaka as examples of where Sri Lanka faltered in crucial moments.
“Sri Lanka lost seven wickets for 31 runs in the last five overs. While they looked set for 190, they could manage just 161. They have got themselves to blame. They haven’t taken responsibility. The way Hasaranga and Shanaka got out, it seemed as if some school kids were playing. Things like game awareness and responsibility are missing,” Akmal said.
The Indian cricket team accomplished a swift chase of the revised target of 78 runs in a mere 6.3 overs. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal led the charge with a brisk 30 off 15 balls, while captain Suryakumar Yadav contributed a rapid 26 runs from just 12 deliveries. All-rounder Hardik Pandya remained unbeaten on 22 runs off 9 balls, featuring three boundaries and a six to seal the victory emphatically.
Following the conclusion of the second T20I, Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka expressed disappointment with his team’s batting display during the death overs. Asalanka emphasized the need for improvement from the middle and lower order, acknowledging that this includes his own performance as well.
“I am really disappointed with the way we batted at the death and about our middle order and lower middle order including me. We must really improve in our batting. On this pitch, when the ball gets older, it gets really hard to bat. As professional cricketers, we have to do well. We were behind by 15-18 runs. Unfortunately, the weather also played something, we can’t control that. It’s easy when it comes to an 8-over game with a wet outfield,” Asalanka said.
Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian team clinched an unbeatable 2-0 lead with a convincing seven-wicket victory in the second T20I. Charith Asalanka and his squad now focus on salvaging a consolation win in the upcoming final T20I at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on July 30.
