Sri Lanka’s ODI series against England: A series win to be proud of
View(s):It was a fantastic series. The first match was affected by rain. Sri Lanka had to score a massive total to win the match within a few overs. It was a very difficult task. Our batsmen failed miserably and lost the match very badly. Can we blame our lads for losing that match? I would not because it is always an uphill task when you have to chase a huge total in such conditions.
In the second match our lads posted a reasonable total on the scoreboard. The England players were capable of reaching that total but, on the day, our bowling was superb. Our bowlers bowled exceedingly well and the England batsmen had no answer to our excellent bowling. In their own den they were shot out for 99 runs. It was a great achievement by our players.
Sri Lanka team after winning the ODI series in England
The third encounter was played on a fast and bouncy pitch. Our players were bamboozled by their battery of fast bowlers and we were all out for only 67 runs. It was a pathetic display by our batting side. There were not enough runs on the board for our bowlers to fight back. The England openers made use of the opportunity and batted very slowly and steadily to register a 10 wicket win.
During the fourth ODI our batsmen showed their class and put up a very respectable total of 300 runs. Thanks to Sangakkara and Dilshan for their wonderful partnership!
When England came to bat they lost wickets at regular intervals. But solid batting by Bopara and Butler almost brought them victory. Our bowlers, however, fought back and we won the match by 7 runs. It was a nail biting finish but a great victory for Sri Lanka. Indeed, Sri Lanka could have easily scored about 320 runs which would have made it more difficult for the England players. Both Dilshan and Sangakkara threw their wickets. Batsmen in form should stay there till the end. In that case your opponents become frustrated and you could add 30 to 40 extra runs to your total.
The all important fifth and final match became the one to decide who would be the winner of the series. After winning the toss England chose to bat. Their openers made a good start but our bowlers were on target and began taking wickets at regular intervals. Our attack was so good that the England batsmen could not bat the full 50 overs. They were all out for 219 runs in 48.2 overs. It looked a very easy target and our batsmen started well. But, all at once, there was a collapse and at one stage we were 62 for 3. However, veteran Mahela Jayawardene and Lahiru Tirimanne batted very sensibly and brought the score close to the victory target. Then, just a few runs sort of the historic win, Mahela threw his wicket. But skipper Angelo Matthews joined Lahiru Tirimanne and rubbed salt into the wounds of the England camp and brought a great victory to Sri Lanka. With this final win Sri Lanka carried all before them with a 3-2 series victory. Keep it up! Our national players – we are proud of you!
Controversial run out
An England batsman was trying to take an undue lead and steal extra runs. To me that was cheating. Our bowlers gave him several warnings. Even during the previous match the same player had been warned. But he did not have the courtesy to listen. Therefore, there was no alternative but to run him out which our bowlers eventually did. The England players should know that there is no way of stealing runs in this great game. I think Sachithra Senanayake did the correct thing and we all stand by him. The England players should know how to win matches by fair means!
- Rev. Bro. Nimal Gurusinghe F.S.C.