Sri Lanka scramble into Asia Cup super fours but skipper Shanaka’s form slump is concerning. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (Elanka Sports Editor)
Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka finds himself in a serious predicament unless he is able to extricate himself from a form slump that questions his place in the team, albeit in winning form.
Shanaka’s return from the last few games have been mediocre to say the least, but his leadership qualities appear to have saved him so far. How long that prevails will be dependant on the next games in the Asia Cup. His axing at this stage, with the World Cup in India just around the corner, will not be an ideal scenario.
Whether the team will gel under a different leader in the World Cup will be closely scrutinised by the country’s cricket administrators. Either way he can take the pressure off himself with a solid display with the bat which will calm the Wolves baying for his head.
The top four have now been established with India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh qualifying fit the Super fours.
Meanwhile, Lanka made a mad scramble into the Asia Cup Cup second round after a heart stopping 2-run victory over a courageous Afganistan in Lahore, Pakistan.
Kusal Mendis laid the platform for what appeared to be a defendable target, but Afganistan refused to surrender meekly as the chased the target and nearly got home.
Mendis was in superb touch smashing his way to 92off 85 balls with 3 sixers and 6 fours after Pathum Nissanka 41 and Dimuth Karunaratne 32, gave Sri Lanka a solid start.
The Afgan bowlers pegged them back in the middle overs but Mendis and Charith Asalanka, 36 off 43 balls set up a rearguard action to turn things around and they took them to relative safety 291 for 8 in the allotted 50 overs.
It was a game of fluctuating fortunes and one where a place in the top four rode on the outcome.
Obviously the net run rate was as much a crucial factor as the ultimate winner. But Afganistan blew their chances of advancing by bad calculations and lack of attention to detail about qualification requirements. And that must be a definite factor for their elimination from the tournament.
What made it more awkward was Afganistan coach Jonathan Trott’s inference that they were not aware of the precise breakdown of qualification specifics. Most would agree that it is the coaching department that were meant to work that out themselves or seek clarification if needed.
The game was one that ebbed and flowed and had the feel of a final which it was, and Afganistan made a valiant effort but fell so short.
Batting first, Sri Lanka skipper deal Dasun Shanaka won the toss and made a steady start against some accurate bowling but after Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka posted a half century partnership, the middle order was unconvincing as struck three times swiftly to derail the confident start.
The departure of Pathum Nissanka after another entertaining half century put pressure on Sri Lanka’s middle order, and Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka picked up the mantle to steer their country to a respectable total the proved just enough.
