Nissanka, Fernando and Mendis lead Sri Lanka blitz and bowlers complete series clean sweep. T20 series should decide new look Sri Lanka revival. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports Editor)
Yes, for quite a spell there was reason to believe Sri Lanka cricket was hit and miss, they have now dispelled that theory with another comprehensive thrashing of Afghanistan to take them to a 3-0 series sweep in the one-dayers in Pallekelle.
Afghanistan won the toss in anticipation of gaining an advantage, but the gamble backfired as Sri Lanka’s search for depth turned up trumps as their reshuffled bowling attack restricted them to a gettable target.
Pace and a new look spin attack bowled the Afgans out for 266 in 48.2 overs proving there’s plenty in the tank if needed.
No Hasarsnga, Theekshana, and Chameera made little difference as Pramod Madushan 3 for 45, Asitha Fernando 2 for 44, Dinuth Wellalage 2 for 38 and Akila Dhananjaya 2 for 54 curbed the run hungry Afghanistan batters to 266 all out.
RahmNullah Gurbaz, 48, Rahmat Shah 65 off 77 and Azmatullah Omarzai 54 off 59 defied Sri Lanka’s attack once more to return with a successful tour in a losing effort.
Sri Lanka’s openers led by prolific Pathum Nissanka and new revelation Avishka Fernando then went on a rampant run chase smashing tha Afghanistan attack notching up another mammoth opening stand of 178 following their last stand paving the way for a seven wicket win with 88 balls to spare.
Nissanka who scored 210 not out in the first game, raced to another century, 118 off 101 balls, and deservedly won the Player-of-the-series and with Avishka Fernando 91 off 66 balls and skipper Kusal Mendis 40 off 29 balls cantered to an easy win without any opposition.
The resurgence of this team has been nothing short of remarkable in 2024, and it gets one wondering whether the settled framework of the newly appointed administration has everything to do with it.
New selectors, a new Sports Minister and new leadership in the three formats appear to have sparked an unbelievable resurgence within the sport that promises a welcome return to where they were less than a decade ago.
Looking back or over the shoulder for emulation and benchmarking is fine, but finding the right cattle to carry out the desired goals is an intricate matter even if the talent is available.
Countries such as Australia and India have been down that road and for a while ended up scratching their heads when they were usurped by lesser opposition. They have now uncovered the formula for selecting the right players for the different formats while the rest try to copy the blueprint of an ever evolving sport.
Sri Lanka right now seem to have awoken and jelled with the new line of thinking and direction which has given them an impetus and they just maybe ready to take on and surprise the big boys.
That expectation will unravel in the fixtures ahead.
Two new leaders have found early success in the Test and one-dayers now Wanindu Hasarsnga de Silva gets the spotlight as he leads the Lankans in the three-match T20 series.
The new found confidence in the Sri Lanka squads will be tested in a format where Afghanistan are second to none.
Sri Lanka will look to use the psychological dominance they have gained to complete a successful series against the Afgans.
What awaits in the future will hinge on the outcome of the T20 series ahead of the World Cup next year.
