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Avishka and Dasun star as Sri Lanka beat Oman

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Top order batsman Avishka Fernando and captain Dasun Shanaka starred with the bat smashing half-centuries as Sri Lanka posted a competitive 162 for four against Oman at Al Amerat in the first T-20 International before Lahiru Kumara with his raw pace troubled the hosts as Sri Lanka completed a 19 run win yesterday.

Oman managed only 143 runs in their 20 overs as Lahiru Kumara finished with four for 30. All eight Omani wickets to fall went to pace. Nuwan Pradeep and Chamika Karunaratne finished with two wickets apiece.

Despite the win, there were a few grey areas for the Sri Lankans. Most fans did not understand the tactics the team was following.  With the World Cup just one week away, you would have expected the former champions to try out the players in their squad but instead they provided opportunities for players whom they are carrying as reserves.

Then their batting line-up posed many questions. Sri Lanka have been sloppy during the Power Play not possessing enough fire power to clear the boundary. The only guy who seems to be capable of clearing the boundary is Avishka Fernando and he was occupying number four slot instead of throwing caution to wind putting bowlers on the back foot as an opener.

Sri Lanka were in fact reduced to 21 for three with Dinesh Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis falling for ducks and Pathum Nissanka managing a single digit score. Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Avishka steadied the ship briefly but Bhanuka fell on 15 with the total on 51 in the 11th over of the innings.

Sri Lanka were in a spot of bother then but an unbroken 111 run stand between Avishka and Shanaka bailed them out.

Avishka posted 83 off 59 balls with three fours and five sixes playing some elegant strokes while Shanaka’s 51 came off 24 balls with two fours and five sixes.

Sri Lanka’s quicks reduced Oman to 23 for four and they never recovered and finished on 143 for eight in their 20 overs.

Wicketkeeper batsman Naseem Kushi lower down the order provided some entertainment smashing 40 off 22 balls with two fours and four sixes.

The second T-20 International will take place on Saturday. It will be played under lights.

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