Sri Lanka’s fate now in Irish and Afghan hands

Rex Clementine in Brisbane

Sri Lanka’s impressive six wicket win over Afghanistan and England’s 20 run defeat of New Zealand at the Gabba yesterday has given Dasun Shanaka slender hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals of the ICC T-20 World Cup. Sri Lanka will be now hoping that either New Zealand will lose to Ireland or Afghanistan will upset Australia. Sri Lanka are supposed to train on Friday in Sydney, but their minds will be in Adelaide where both those deciding games will be played. Then of course, on Saturday, they have got to beat England at SCG to go through. If New Zealand and Australia win on Friday, then Sri Lanka can pack their bags even before their last Super 12 game.

None of this would have mattered had that Glenn Philips catch had been taken by Pathum Nissanka, some may say. Hey, but hang on, did Sri Lanka play like a team that deserved a semi-final slot? The plain answer is no. They were sloppy on the field and their planning was awful. There should be questions asked from people who are giving clean bills of health for injured players. Binura Fernando barely lasted a game while Dushmantha Chameera was a flop despite being wrapped up in a cotton wool since March this year with the hope that he will be firing on all cylinders at the World Cup. He is expected to be fit for the IPL.

Dhananjaya de Silva was the star of the day in his team’s victory with nine balls to spare. The vice-captain posted an unbeaten 66 that came off 42 balls with six fours and two sixes. This is his career best score and his first half-century since January 2020.He brought up the victory with an elegant cover drive off Fazalhaq Farooqi for four.

Dhananjaya often gives you the impression that he is not a T-20 cricketer. Although it’s a game meant for the dashers, he has made his presence felt with his smooth drives and elegant flicks and when he has not got width to free his arms, he just drops the ball and scampers for singles.

The Afghans were kept to below 150 as Wanindu Hasaranga claimed three wickets and just conceded 13 runs in his four overs. With 13 scalps to his name, he is the highest wicket taker in the competition.

The last time Lahiru Kumara was at the Gabba, he limped off the field with yet another hamstring injury and yesterday he bowled with fire to claim two wickets. Kasun Rajitha is proving to be a reliable customer as well as he bowled economically and as they are looking set to turn things around, their costly mistakes are hurting them.