 |
| Man of the match Chamara Kapugedera plays one on the leg side. Pic by Sanka Vidanagama |
A victory set up by Sri Lanka’s medium pacies was signed sealed and delivered by Chamara Kapugedera (67 off 98 balls) and Thilan Samaraweera 38 (off 69 balls) who were involved in an unbroken stand of 95 for the fifth wicket in the Second ODI at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium.
The Sri Lankans had a bit of a wobble at 74 for 4. But the experience of Samaraweera and the natural stroke-making ability of Man-of-the Match Kapugedera ensured that the visitors did not get a look in thereafter.
Two up with three to go, and a broom wash is on the cards.
The target was a modest one and initially Pakistan’s heart did not seem to be in it. After the openers had put together 23 with the aid of three scorching boundaries, the energetic, lively Aamer accounted for Tharanga via the outside edge. Sangakkara was kept quiet a little surprisingly, but then was dismissed due to a bizarre bit of calling by partner Jayasuriya. The stop-come-go tragicomedy led to only one conclusion.
Obviously unnerved and, may be fearing the Captain’s wrath! Jayasuriya lashed out at the next delivery and skied to deep cover where the younger Akmal took a very good catch.
It was 44 for 3 and the game in the balance when Jayawardena and Kapugedera joined forces. By dint of application they had added 30 when Jayawardena pulled Adfridi into the hands of Younis at short mid wicket. Jayawardena was visibly annoyed with himself, but for Sri Lanka it was a case of starting all over again.
Fortunately for the home team, the undoubtedly talented Kapugedera dropped anchor. He played some sizzling drives and even hoisted Afridi over mid wicket for six. Samaraweera kept him company and seized the chance to confirm his ODI suitability with a sensible innings.
Kapugedera got to his sixth ODI half century with a firm cover drive for four off Gul. His innings of fifty consumed 80 balls and it contained five fours and a six. His talent was never in doubt and with a few more knocks such as this he will dispel questions about his performance.
The Pakistani pace bowlers bowled very accurately. This made run-making difficult. But with the introduction of Afridi and Ajmal, runs were easier to come by. Had Younis the luxury of a fourth seamer (as Sangakkara had) it could have been a more even contest.
Sri Lanka's pace bowlers were almost irresistible once again as they tore through the early Pakistan victory at lunch in the second ODI at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium.
The stage was set for Muralitharan to cash in on the situation and this he duly did. It was another sorry-looking batting display by the visitors who seemed incapable of a counter-attack.
Put into bat, Pakistan's openers did not depart from the script. New comer Nasir Jaushed jabbed leaden - footed at Kulasekara’s opening delivery and Jayawardena did the rest at second slip.
Kamran Akmal looked good diving through mid wicket, straight and through cover for fours. Twenty one had been added when Akmal, half-forward to Thushara was caught low down by Samaraweera at slip. Thushara struck again without- addition when Malik was leg before on the back foot. His innings lasted a mere four deliveries.
Umer Akmal did not betray any nerves and struck three boundaries, with good timing. He then lost patience and his slash was taken behind.
Kulasekera, Malinga and Thushara kept up the pressure on the batsmen with some tight, incisive bowling. Kulasekera really excelled with another good opening spell (7-2-15-1) Tushara once again showed that he has the priceless ability to take wickets. Muralitharan started from where the paceman left off, and twisted the knife further into the Pakistani wound by disposing of Younis and Afridi - two batsmen who could have made a difference.
Younis' effort was disappointing, grinding out 23 runs off 73 deliveries. But there was little else he could have done with wickets falling round him. Afridi, as is his wort, tried to hit his way out of trouble and gave a catch to Jayasinghe on the square leg boundary.
As in the previous game it was left to Aamer and Ajmal to land some respectability to the total with a 40 run stand for the last wickets.
|
E-mail