Sri Lanka handed the short straw in a bungled logistical program at T20 World Cup. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports Editor)
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An unplayable track compounded by a bad decision to bat first saw Sri Lanka humbled by South Africa in their opening encounter of the T20 World Cup in New York.
Harassed by thoughtless and disastrous logistical planning that made the Lankans treated like third class competitors, questions the ICC’S double standards.
It clearly suggests a the tilt in favour of some, and fuming cricket purists are outraged at the decision makers whose planning appear to suggest there’s more to it than meets the eye.
The favourites and controlling countries have been handed a smooth ride through the competition while others are hampered by long travel to the venues and long flights in between. Some get to play at the same venue giving them an unfair advantage.
Sri Lanka is one of those who will have to beat the odds and the hurdles to fight the tidal wave against them.
Excuses aside Sri Lanka skipper Wanindu Hasarsnga’s decision to bat without a practice due to the tiring travel to the venue, hampered by an eight hour delay, was questionable and comical.
His response was because he was confident of defending any total with his bowling attack. 77 all out in 19.2 overs, certainly wasn’t it.
South Africa struggled themselves, before cruising to a six-wicket victory with 22 balls to spare.
The wicket itself was questionable judging by Sri Lanka’s batters struggle to survive. Kusal Mendis’s 19 was the highest score while some would say it was ‘duck season’ in New York after four Sri Lankans failed to score.
Apart from Enrich Nortje’s four for 7 wicket haul for a mere 4 runs there there was little else to cheer on a wicket that should be investigated for its fairness to both teams.
While the tournament has just begun, there’s already questions being posed about the preparation and inspection of the venues, particularly in the US whose knowledge and experience for acceptable playing conditions should be under scrutiny.
Sri Lanka move to Dallas for a must win game against Bangladesh. A loss would certainly point them towards the exit.
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image source: Copyright (c) icc-cricket.com (media approved partner – Trevine Rodrigo – eLanka)
