No shows cause concern in Lankan camp
Two won and three to go — the upsurge in South African fortunes has been remarkable. The wounds on the psyche, brought about by the 2-0 battering have all but disappeared. The introduction of fresh personnel has done the trick. That, and the mental toughness of the visitors, have enabled du Plessis’ team to turn the corner.
The first ODI was a no-show by the Sri Lankans. A rampaging Rabada and Ngidi reduced the hosts to a precarious 36-5. Yet, there was a way back, thanks to the Pereras – Thisara and Kusal. Their counter-attacking stand of 92 was a joy to behold. Shamsi came on, a little belatedly, perhaps, and did the trick.
One hundred and nine three was gettable. Despite losing two in two to the effervescent Akila Danajaya, the skipper, in tandem with Duminy, headed them home. Dananjaya is a fascinating spinner. His new found variations befuddled and bamboozled the visitors who, in general, don’t play spin all that well. The troubles of Markram are a case in point. Thanks should go to Mahela Jayawardena for pulling out a rabbit from a hat!
Skipper Mathews, with an unbeaten 79 off 111 balls, created some hope that the improved total would suffice. His knock was less than a run-a-ball effort, but given the fact that he had to bat with the tail and had to deny himself certain liberties, it was quite impressive. He needed that score, after his fallibility around off stump had been exposed once again by Rabada in the earlier game.
It was good to see Dickwella in the runs. A good innings was overdue. Noticeably, he cut out some of the frills and showed a desire to bat as a number one should. His innate aggression crept through, at times.
Mendis and Tharanga failed to show up once more and this put intense pressure on those who followed. The Pereras contributed 31 between them, and the Jayasuriyas 29.
The wreckers were not Rabada and Shamsi’ who leaked 91 in their combined 19 overs. South Africa’s strength in speed and seam once again came to the fore as Ngidi and Phelukwayo, by now had got the bit between their teeth.
The experienced duo of Amla and de Kock was back in business and their opening salvo worth 91 runs put their team firmly on course. Amla was all wrist as he effortlessly turned balls from outside off stump towards square leg. De Kock was the more adventurous. The high-point was when he came down the track to hoist Dananjaya for six. De Kock was the beneficiary of considerable largesse by the Sri Lankan fielders, being dropped on 18 and 24. But, until his careless leave to deep mid wicket after making 87 off 78 deliveries, he took upon himself the responsibility of moving his team towards the 245 run target.
Sizeable contributions from the skipper Du Plessis (49) and Duminy (32) put them on course to victory. Mulder was unflappable and showed impressive calm in both games.
Once more, it was Dananjaya who led from the front when it came to the bowling. He was the only bowler who threatened to de-rail the South Africans. 3 for 50 and 3 for 60, a little expensive, perhaps, but he seemed to be the bowler Mathews turned to whenever he needed a wicket.
Rajitha, hurried the ball onto the bat and suffered from dropped catches. One drop was of his own making. Newcomer Prabath Jayasuriya didn’t do too badly. A genuine left arm spinner, he is different from the mysterious Sandaken but is more restrictive. He deserves a few games.
The fielding was one of the main differences between the sides. The catches by Miller to dismiss Kusal Janith (in the first game) and Dananjaya (in the second) highlighted the huge difference in the fielding.
It may be too early to panic, but a couple of early batting slots need to be fixed. Is there a case for the man-in-form, Dimuth Karunaratne, at least on a short-term basis?