The T20 series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka was closely contested. Sri Lanka ultimately emerged as the victorious team with a 2-1. In the third match, Bangladesh once again won the toss and elected to allow Sri Lanka to bat first.
However, despite winning the toss, Bangladesh could not capitalise on the advantage as it was a day match. The dew factor did not come into play, making it easier for the Sri Lankan bowlers to bowl without difficulty.
Sri Lanka performed commendably, scoring 174 runs in their innings while losing 7 wickets. Bangladesh, on the other hand, struggled to keep up with the pace and only scored 146 runs in reply. The Sri Lankan bowlers put up a stellar performance, making it difficult for the Bangladeshi batsmen to score runs.
In the end, Sri Lanka emerged victorious by 28 runs, thanks to their stellar bowling performance and the team’s overall tenacity and determination in the face of tough competition.
Sri Lanka can’t find an opening batter
This series has highlighted the Sri Lankan team’s need for a good opening batsman. Despite trying several options, all have failed, leaving Dananjaya de Silva as the only option for today’s match.
However, Dananjaya is not an excellent fit for the T20 format, resulting in a quick loss of the first wicket in today’s match. While Kusal Mendis has been performing well as an opening batter, the team must have a reliable partner.
One solution could be to experiment with Captain Wanidu Hasaranga as an opening batsman. The opening batter must score quickly in the upcoming World Cup, so having two reliable batters is crucial.
The team has seven fast batters, including Pathum Nissanka, Vanidu Hasaranga, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Sadira Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Dasun Shanaka, who can win any match. The key is to have the correct batting order.
Angelo Mathews
Upul Tharanga should consider that no matter how talented Matthews is, if his long-term illness is not treated correctly, it is not wise to play him. Matthews has been struggling with this illness since the 2011 World Cup, and even now, he continues to play with it.
This puts unnecessary pressure on the leader and creates uncertainty for the team. No one knows when he will suffer another injury, as was evident in today’s match.
Matthews’ situation differs from that of a player who suddenly gets injured. He has been dealing with chronic injuries for a long time, and it is not ideal to play him in matches.
The selection committee should consider his health and well-being, even though he is a valuable player. Matthews himself should also understand his situation. Taking unfit players to the World Cup would be a big mistake for Sri Lanka.
Mateesha Pathirana vs Nuvan Thushara
Pathirana and Thushara, two exceptional bowlers with distinct skill sets, contribute greatly to the team’s success. Pathirana’s strength lies in his impressive bowling speed, which makes his deliveries difficult for any batsman to handle. On the other hand, Thushara’s exceptional ball control, coupled with his precise delivery, sets him apart from the rest of the team. His ability to consistently hit the right spots and deceive the batsman with his variations make him a formidable opponent.
If their bowling combination is effective, it could be a game-changer for the Sri Lankan team. However, Pathirana’s inconsistency in his bowling has been a cause for concern. He must understand the gravity of the situation, and the trainers should work with him to rectify his approach.
It would be a shame to squander such a valuable resource. A lot rides on Pathirana’s performance in the upcoming IPL tournament, and it is hoped that he has gleaned some valuable lessons under MS Dhoni’s guidance.
Nuvan Thushara is a hero
Today’s man of the match was the epitome of excellent performance and sportsmanship for Sri Lanka. He played a pivotal role in the team’s victory by showcasing his remarkable skills and expertise on the cricket field.
His incredible achievement of taking five wickets for a meagre 20 runs is a testament to his talent. He also achieved a hat-trick by dismissing three of Bangladesh’s strongest batters in three consecutive balls, a feat that will be remembered for years.
His remarkable bowling completely rocked Bangladesh and proved to be the match’s turning point. All in all, his contribution to the team’s success will never be forgotten.
Chris Silverwood
To what degree does Chris’s coaching impact Sri Lanka’s wins? Chris, a former coach of the England team, was brought in by Sri Lanka after he departed from England. Initially, he introduced some unique strategies, such as communicating with the team captain through specific gestures from the stadium.
However, these tactics were not acceptable in cricket due to ethical concerns. Chris stopped using such methods, possibly due to warnings from the International Cricket Council (ICC). However, whether Chris is providing Sri Lankan cricketers with training that is aligned with modern cricket standards is worth considering.
The team’s success largely depends on the coach’s ability to help players develop their skills and play as a cohesive unit. To what extent does Chris’s head coaching help Sri Lanka win? Chris is a former coach of the England team.
Sri Lanka picked him up after England dropped him. In the beginning, we got to see some tactics from him. He had methods such as informing the leader through specific effects from the stadium. But these are not very suitable for cricket ethics.
Now, I don’t see such a situation from him. The ICC may have alerted him to this inappropriate work. However, we have to think whether Chris is getting the training that is suitable for modern cricket.
Bangladesh is a fighting team
Despite losing the T20 series against Sri Lanka, the Bangladesh cricket team showed their grit and fighting spirit in today’s match. The match took a dramatic turn when the team lost 6 wickets for 32 runs, which could have easily demoralised any team.
However, the Bengali batters refused to give up and took the challenge head-on. They put up a remarkable fight, with the tailenders showing immense courage and determination to turn the game around.
Their resilience and never-say-die attitude were genuinely inspiring. It’s a testament to the team’s strength and unity. Every player was committed to winning the game and refused to accept defeat until the very end. This is the hallmark of a great team that does not give up in the face of adversity and always strives for victory.
The Bangladesh cricket team is a shining example of what it means to be a true competitor. Despite losing the series, they have shown they have the talent, skill, and, most importantly, the spirit to overcome any challenge.
Hathurusinghe, who was a friend again
Chandika Hathurusinghe’s influence on the Bangladesh cricket team’s transformation cannot be overstated. He was instrumental in leading the team to where it is today. After leaving Bangladesh, he assumed the role of coach for the Sri Lankan team, which made him a fierce competitor of Bangladesh.
However, Hathurusinghe’s stint with Sri Lanka was short-lived, as disagreements with Sri Lanka Cricket led him to return to Bangladesh. Since his return, Bangladesh has experienced rapid progress. It has consistently outperformed Sri Lanka in recent years, including in the last World Cup.
Although Sri Lankan coach Chris Silverwood is more widely recognised, Hathurusinghe’s contributions to Bangladesh’s success are undeniable and deserve acknowledgement.
Mohammad Rishad Hossain
In the match played today, Rashid emerged as the hero of Bangladesh. The game was in a critical situation when he walked into bat, with the team losing 6 wickets for just 32 runs. However, Rashid remained composed and played a quick innings of 53 runs, including 7 sixes, which shifted the momentum in Bangladesh’s favour.
This 21-year-old all-rounder has proven to be an invaluable asset for the team. His excellent performance under immense pressure to win the match earned him well-deserved praise. Rashid played an inning that boosted Bangladesh’s score and created confusion in the Sri Lankan team.
Conclusion
Despite Sri Lanka’s 2-1 victory over Bangladesh in the T20 series, the team’s performance left much to be desired. There is a lack of teamwork and coordination amongst the players, and the team balance is unsuitable for the T20 format. The batters and bowlers do not complement each other’s skills, which is crucial for success in a fast-paced game like T20.
Moving on to the upcoming one-day series, Sri Lanka must be bold. The team needs to work on its weaknesses and improve its performance to stand a chance against its competitors. The series is expected to be highly competitive, and Sri Lanka needs to bring its A-game to the table. With the right strategy, teamwork, and perseverance, Sri Lanka can hope to emerge victorious in the series.
