Sri Lanka batters find form and the bowlers complete demolition job on New Zealand. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports Editor).
Sri Lanka’s batters fired at long last and the bowlers backed them, to annihilate New Zealand in the dead rubber third game in Auckland.
Pathum Nissanka powered his way to 66 off 42 balls with 5 sixers and 6 fours, before hobbling off with a groin strain. He sustained the injury soon after completing another spectacular knock and being forced to retire hurt. He returned, but was in evident discomfort and fell soon after due to his inability to move freely.
Aided by good support from Kusal Mendis, 54 off 48 balls, and Janith Liyanage, 53 off 52 balls, who were in scintillating form, Sri Lanka motored to a challenging 290 for 8 wickets giving their bowlers a sizable total to defend.
Defend it the did, by striking early to throw New Zealand’s chances of a clean sweep in the series into total disarray.
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Sri Lanka’s pace /spin combination of Asitha Fernando, 3 for 26 in 7 overs, and Maheesh Theekshana 3 for 35 made early inroads, wrecking New Zealand’s top order to leave them tottering at 7 for 77 in the 17th over and the writing was on the wall for a comprehensive thrashing.
Sri Lanka were also able to unravel another slinging option in Eshan Malinga, bringing back frightening memories of Lasith Malinga who terrorised batsmen around the world a few years ago. Eshan Malinga grabbed 3 for 35
It certainly reinforced my earlier comments about Sri Lanka’s inconsistency with the bat which gives them a Jekyll and Hyde profile.
The batting woes of Sri Lanka has little to do with skill, more the mental mindset which needs specialist attention. Get the batting consistent and the bowlers will deliver. So far in the T20s and one-dayers this has been true.
Another heartening aspect of Sri Lanka’s win was the brilliant fielding that contributed in no uncertain fashion. There were at least three fantastic grabs in the outfield that would rate with the best seen in the world.
What is also becoming evident is that Sri Lanka are one dimensional as recent results reveal, being home condition specialists and appearing to be underprepared from handling conditions away from home.
New Zealand can reflect on the two series and be extremely happy with their performances, which for most of it, was with under strength teams due to some regulars involved in overseas commitments. The depth they unearthed makes it heartening going forward.
The retirement of proven workhorse Tim Southee and with Trent Boult not far off the revelation of Jacob Duffy, Smith and some new and exciting talent sees the gaps filling very quickly. Sri Lanka’s batters struggled against them.
Sri Lanka on the other hand have batters making sporadic contributions but there is definite talent among them, just no consistency.
In bowling, Sri Lanka can reflect on an abundance of emerging talent that is well rounded with world class spinners Maheesh Theekshana Wannindu Hasarsnga de Silva, Dinuth Wellalage and Jeffrey Vandersay among a few others.
Their choice for pace is is deep with some exciting talent being unravelled recently.
Returning home empty handed, Sri Lanka can reflect on 2025 as an opportunity to take that extra step towards matching it with the best. Mental application and a sound game plan is what is required.
