Sri Lanka look to end World Cup on high note

Rex Clementine in Sydney

Sri Lanka’s fate of going through to the semi-finals of the ICC T-20 World Cup is not in their hands and they seem to have come to terms with that fact but what is in their hands is ending the competition on a high note. The former champions have blown hot and cold in Australia with their wins coming against teams like UAE, Netherlands, Ireland and Afghanistan. Not only have they lost to big teams like Australia and New Zealand, they suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Namibia too in the curtain-raiser in Geelong.

 A win over England in their last league game today here at SCG will enable them to head home with their heads held high. England themselves are struggling to qualify and they may have to beat Sri Lanka with a healthier Net Run Rate to keep the Aussies away from knocking them out. Most of England’s bases are covered. Their opening batsmen – Alex Hales and Buttler have scored T-20 International hundreds against Sri Lanka. Other centurions like Liam Livingstone and Dawid Malan are part of a formidable middle order that also comprises a certain Ben Stokes.

 No current Sri Lankan has scored three figures in T-20 Internationals. England’s bowling attack is one of the most feared in the world. Mark Wood has sent down the fastest ball in the tournament having clocked 154.7 kmph. Spinners Moeen Ali and Aadil Rashid are quite a handful too and will love the conditions at SCG. However, for all their versatility, Jos Buttler’s side suffered an embarrassing defeat to Ireland early in the competition and that has put them under pressure playing catch up in the group of death. Sri Lanka will rely heavily on Kusal Mendis, the third leading run scorer in the competition while Wanindu Hasaranga is their key bowler with 13 scalps already in the tournament.

He ended up the last World Cup as the highest wicket taker and another good showing in Sydney will help him to finish off the campaign with flying colours. Pathum Nissanka is behind a personal milestone as he needs 52 more runs to complete 1000 runs in T-20 cricket. Irrespective of the result, Dasun Shanaka’s side have some soul searching to do when they return home, particularly on why so many injuries occurred during the World Cup. Six players suffered muscle injuries during the campaign with four players ruled out and that was a crushing blow to the team.