Charith Asalanka and Kusal Janith Perera steer Sri Lanka to a nail biting win – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE (eLanka Sports editor)
Charith Asalanka found timely form, and Kusal Janith Perera made a welcome return to Sri Lanka’s fold to steer the tourists to their first win on tour against New Zealand after a nail biting finish in the first T20.
It raised slim hopes of something for the tourists to celebrate after a torturous run in the Tests and one-dayers.
Eden Gardens, the garden of pain, for once relented to a Charith Asalanka Super Over assault that gave the Sri Lankans an unexpected escape from a tour best forgotten, handing them what appeared an unlikely win, and a bit of pain for the cock-a-hoop Kiwis.
But victory was not on a platter as the Lankans posted an imposing target of 196 on a wicket renowned for pace and bounce which the Lankans for once negotiated with unexpected tenacity. The bowlers then had the task of delivering the ascendency.
It seemed all on track until the last ball when New Zealand needed six off the last ball to stay in the competition and Ish Sodhi smashed a six off the last ball to force it to a super over.
Maheesh Theeksheena bowled a tight over to concede eight runs, and Charith Asalanka followed his fantastic first knock to smash Sri Lanka to their first win on tour. He deservedly was named man- of -the- match .
Two series down and a consolation win in the T20’s would give Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope to turn their fortunes around. But one more win will be the absolute focus. New Zealand’s aim will be to make them not want to recall this tour in for a while.
In a see- sawing contest where the Sri Lankans were asked to bat first, a first ball duck to Pathum Nissanka suggested Sri Lanka was in for another towelling.
But Kusal Mendis and Kusal Janith Perera had other ideas as they hit top gear to steer Sri Lanka to a pacy run fest.
Mendis departed after a fiercely competitive score, but Charith Asalanka took over the onslaught with Perera smashing the dominant Kiwi attack to all parts, changing the trend of the tour as the duo posted the first century partnership at more than a run a ball.
Asalanka departed after a hurricane 67 off 41 balls while Kusal Perera carried his bat scoring 53 not out off 45 balls and with Wanindu Hasarsnga De Silva providing a cameo 21 off 11 balls, they steered Sri Lanka to a position of strength.
Asalanka and Perera took Sri Lanka to their first century partnership and beyond and the hope if a winning total. And it proved itself only just, as the Lankans defended their total and scraped through to a pulsating win.
New Zealand never gave up after a shaky start to the run chase, with bogeyman Daryl Mitchell rattling a quick fire 66 off 54 balls. They ended with 196 for 8 before the Super Over decided the outcome.
The final two T20 games will decide the mindset of the Sri Lankans as they head home.
