Sri Lanka Finally Come To The Party

IF THERE was a book on perfect preparation for a major sports tournament you can be assured Sri Lanka haven’t read it.

- James Toney

But amid the reports of selection squabbles and squad cliques, they finally managed to claim their second one-day win in 11 matches with a victory over Afghanistan.

Eight straight defeats had the Sri Lankan press sharpening their pencils but coach Chandika Hathurusingha hailed the performance of two matchwinning bowlers, Nuwan Pradeep, who returned to the side to take career-best ODI figures of 4-31, and veteran Lasith Malinga.

“That’s what you expect from Lasith. He’s a world-class performer and steps up when it matters,” he said. “Nuwan had bowled really well in the two practice games as well and he single-handedly kept us in the game.”

Sri Lanka certainly needed the win after their emphatic ten-wicket defeat at the hands of New Zealand in their tournament opener in Cardiff.

Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson gave the game away on the eve of the match, “Some people may be saying something about us, I’m not sure. But we’re talking about us.”

In those final five words, the Kiwi skipper revealed the quiet confidence coursing through his side.