Sri Lanka get a mauling from South Africa but show a bit of pulse. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports editor)
Photo Courtesy of ICC. © ICC 2023 (media contact; Trevine Rodrigo – ICC approved media partner)
Sri Lanka’s bowlers took a battering from South Africa but fought back to save face despite a 102 -run rout in their opener of the Cricket World Cup in Delhi.
Missing most of their front-line bowlers, Sri Lanka’s stand in troops had no answer to a ruthless South African batting onslaught that broke several records including the fastest century in only 49 balls by Aiden Makram.
Three centuries, from Quinton De Kock, 100 off 84 balls, Rassie Van der Dussen 108 off 110 and Makram with further contributions from almost all the batters, made this a bizarre chapter in Sri Lanka Cricket.
South Africa recovered from the early exit of skipper Temba Bavuma with the total on 10 to pile on 428 for 5 in a merciless onslaught on a toothless Sri Lanka bowling attack, and by the time it ended the end result was inevitable.
Sri Lanka showed fight when they batted and amassed 326 in 44.5 overs showing a semblance of pride after an early mauling. If they had a better game plan the margin could have been a lot closer.
The game highlighted the importance of a well balanced squad and exposed Sri Lanka’s lack of depth and experience against tougher opposition.
They will be sweating on the availability of Wanindu Hasarsnga De Silva, if he is brought in as a substitute, and Maheesh Theeksheena to be able to contain the teams ahead.
It was a batting feast that realised 754 runs for the loss of 15 wickets and threw out a warning that South Africa are in the running to challenge the best in the business for this edition of the World Cup.
South Africa smashed 14 sixers and 45 fours in their whirlwind innings while Sri Lanka returned fire with 17 sixers and 24 fours.
Kusal Mendis who has been in blistering form with the bat led Sri Lanka’s spirited reply which sadly began disastrously losing in form opener Pathum Nissanka for a duck. Two early wickets stunted Sri Lanka’s chase but they gained further momentum through Charith Asalanka who slammed a quick fire 79 off 65 balls and the timely return to form from skipper Dasun Shanaka who revived the tail end with 68 off 62 balls.
While the result was demoralising from a Sri Lankan perspective, it gave them something to ponder in the matches ahead. A tighter performance from their bowlers and similar consistency in batting certainly promises some good things in the games ahead.
Bangladesh easily accounted for Afghanistan by bowling them out for a paltry 156 and then romping home for a six wicket win with 92 balls to spare. They have also thrown their hats in the ring for serious contention of a second round entry.
