In T20I cricket, victory isn’t guaranteed, even if a team is head-and-shoulders better than the opposition. Sri Lanka were served a reminder of the same. On Monday, in their Asia Cup league match against Hong Kong, first they conceded 149 runs, and then struggled to get to the target. Pathum Nissanka did score 68 in the end, but was given four reprieves.
SL Manage Narrow Win
There was a moment in the match when they needed 32 from 30, and weren’t in the most comfortable position. “In that moment, I think our heart was in our mouths,” captain Asalanka said after the game. “There are a few areas I am really disappointed about. First three overs when we were bowling and then the 16th over, we lost a couple of wickets and then lost my wicket.
“In the shorter format, these things can happen but it cannot keep happening consistently. We have to analyse it and improve ourselves,” he added. He also wasn’t particularly impressed with the way his side bowled in the powerplay. “We felt confident of chasing it because the pitch was looking good.
Asalanka Lashes Out at Team
“Credit goes to them (Hong Kong), they batted really well and we bowled badly in the first three overs. This is not the way we wanted to play. When we are playing these sides, there is always pressure. But we are professionals and as professionals, we have to do much better than this,” he said.
Now, Sri Lanka will go through the next stage if Afghanistan can go on to beat Bangladesh in their match on 16th September. Islanders are still topping the group B in the Asia Cup.
