Unconvincing, yet Sri Lanka almost makes it to CWC 2023
Barring a catastrophe in their last two Super Six games against Zimbabwe and West Indies, Sri Lanka’s entry into this year’s Cricket World Cup in India is all but confirmed following their tense 21-run victory over the Netherlands on Friday.
That said, Sri Lanka’s last two wins weren’t as convincing as might have been expected from them because old issues on the batting front were clearly evident. Against the Scots, they managed only 245 runs and were bowled out for 213 against the Dutch on Friday. On both occasions, Sri Lanka failed to bat through the innings.
A familiar batting collapse saw them at 96 for 6 in the 26th over, before a career-best 93 from Dhananjaya de Silva and two useful knocks from Wanindu Hasaranga (20) and Maheesh Theekshana (28) helped Sri Lanka to a below-par score of 213.
Just as the Netherlands seemed on track to win, Theekshana (3/31) swung the momentum with three quick wickets and the Netherlands eventually fell 21 runs short. Sri Lanka must tighten up these loose ends to beat the high-riding Zimbabwe in their second Super Six game today at Bulawayo.
Of particular concern is the form of skipper Dasun Shanaka and vice captain Kusal Mendis. Shanaka has played in all 13 of Sri Lanka’s ODIs this season but only once he has passed 50 runs. His unbeaten 108 against India came while he was on a losing course in early January. Since then, he has only accumulated 95 runs in 12 games at 9.50.
While Shanaka failed to score more than five runs in the four innings he batted so far, his deputy scored a blistering 78 in the opening game against United Arab Emirates. However, his form took a dip thereafter and he scored 0, 1 and 10 in his last three games.
“It’s a bit of a concern,” admitted Sri Lanka’s Assistant Coach Naveed Nawaz, following Sri Lanka’s high-strung win over Dutch cricketers.
“Twice within a few days, our batting collapsed, once at the top and once at the middle. We have to regroup to come back strong in the next game.”
Their next opponent, Zimbabwe, is the team to beat. Like Sri Lanka, they remain undefeated in the tournament. Their biggest strength has been their batting. In five innings, Sean Williams has notched three centuries and a 91, scoring 532 runs at 133, while Sikanda Raza and Craig Ervin, too, are in stellar form, helping Zimbabwean hopes of qualifying for the mega event in India.
Can Sri Lanka counter the marauding Zimbabwean batters is the question. Despite batting collapses, the bowling unit has been exceptional. No team has scored over 200 runs against the Sri Lankan attack that comprises two of the best spinners in Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga.
“They are taking a lot of responsibility,” Nawaz said.
“They have done a great job. These wickets are going to get even slower and I am hoping they will still do a better job in the coming matches.”
Theekshana played a decisive role in derailing the Dutch chase which, at one stage, was cruising smoothly to create a huge upset in the tournament as he picked up three wickets in the match.
However, Sri Lanka will miss the services of seamer Lahiru Kumara, who picked up a side strain during the game against the Netherlands. They are also without Dushmantha Chameera. He was sent home without a game being played due to pectoral muscle pain. This will leave left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka to lead the seam attack along with Matheesha Pathirana– young seamer with a sling-arm action. He is preferred over Kasun Rajitha and Chamika Karunaratne–the bowling all-rounder due to his pace and ability to bowl yorkers.
“I think every game is going to be tough, because in the Super Six, all the teams are good and the square looks to be a bit tired now,” Nawaz said.
“The wickets are going to get slower as it goes. So the side that adapts well to the conditions and holds their nerve will have a better chance of coming out on top at the end. But we will back ourselves in any situation to bat and ball as we did.”
The winner of today’s encounter will qualify for the finals and also earn its place in the ICC Cricket World Cup while the losing team with six points can still hope for a place in the final and the World Cup with a game left.