Would ‘Bullring’ end Lankan blues today
View(s):By Champika Fernando in Johannesburg
A drubbing at the hands of a new-look South African side in the series opener on Friday ruined Sri Lanka’s plans to kick start the limited- overs leg on a winning note. The team now faces the embarrassment of a series defeat when the second T20 takes place at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg this afternoon.
Sri Lanka fell short by 19 runs while chasing a massive total of 127 in 10 overs at an opener shortened by rain at the Super Sports Park in Centurion. They must win today’s encounter to remain a contender in the three-match series.
Dinesh Chandimal plays a shot during the first T20 match against South Africa on Friday at Supersport Park in Centurion, South Africa. South Africa won the match by 19 runs in a game restricted to 10 overs per side - AFP
“We will bounce back strongly,” said Niroshan Dickwella, who kept Sri Lanka’s chances alive with a whirlwind 44 off 19 balls made up of three sixes and three boundaries before the middle-order collapsed to hand South Africa a comfortable victory.
“I am really disappointed to be in the losing side. We lost wickets at regular intervals which proved costly at the end,” Dickwella explained. “But we will bounce back, bounce back strongly. However, this is no easy task as Angelo Mathews leads a side that has little steel and reputation unlike previous Sri Lankan sides. There’s no poise, imagination or power in their batting—the biggest weakness in the current side. Bowling, though a touch improved, still lacked aggression and penetration to damage the strong South African batting unit which leaked as many as 126 runs in ten overs.
There have been harsh words from the board, fans and ex-players alike over consistent failure. The players are being asked to act with responsibility. Deputy skipper Dinesh Chandimal has struggled repeatedly in the series and his average of little over 18–having played 46 international matches–have placed in question the selectors’ decision to persist with the former skipper for the shorter format.
The absence of Kusal Janith Perera, the regular opener, has made matters worse for Sri Lanka. His partner Dhanushka Gunathilaka is battling a back injury which may force him out of the rest of the limited over series.
“We are having a fitness test on him later today. He’s improved and keen to play. We will take a call after the fitness test,” said Manager Ranjith Fernando.
Sri Lanka still hold the record for the highest T20 team score at the ‘Bullring’, and have won three out of four matches played here, an encouraging record. However, this will be the first match between the two sides at the Wanderers and given South Africa’s dominance in the opening match, Sri Lanka may endure tough life in the middle in their search for a maiden win in the series.