Tickets for T-20s sold out in record time

By Rex Clementine 

Cricket, since the pandemic  broke out two years ago, has been played behind closed doors and although some fine cricket teams like India, South Africa and England have visited the island, spectators were not allowed to witness any games as health authorities were concerned about breach of bio-secure bubbles. Now with the pandemic restrictions eased, spectators have been allowed back into the grounds and tickets were sold out in double quick time.Tickets went out on sale on Saturday (4th June) starting at 9:30am at SLC headquarters and by 3:30pm the same day all tickets were sold out. R. Premadasa Stadium had seen some high profile games over the years but never ever before tickets have been sold out 72 hours before a game at the 28,000 capacity stadium.

Despite the economic struggles, tickets selling like hot cakes is suggestion that fans are longing to get a glimpse of action having witnessed cricket in television for two long years.Another reason for the excitement is that Sri Lanka have gradually turned around their fortunes in white ball cricket and their bowling looks formidable. Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was  a sensation during the IPL and so was Dushmantha Chameera. Others like Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana came in for high praise from M.S.  Dhoni. Pathirana, still a schoolboy at Trinity College, Kandy, is expected to make his debut on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka’s batting is yet to reach full potential though and not having Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando will be a blow. Both players’ temperaments are ideally suited for T-20 cricket but their services have been missed as they are recovering from injuries.

Australia are World Champions having won the T-20 World Cup last year in Dubai. They are a well balanced side with all bases covered. They are touring the island after six years and won the white ball series in 2016 before being whitewashed 3-0 in Test matches. Australia hosted Sri Lanka in a five match T-20 series earlier this year and comprehensively won.

The teams will move to Pallekele for the third T-20 after back to back games at RPS. Pallekele will also host the first two ODIs before the teams return to RPS for the last three games. Galle will host the two Test matches.