Chasing 150, Sri Lanka reached home comfortably in the end against Hong Kong China, but had to overcome some nervy moments particularly towards the end. What looked like a routine chase began on a slow note, which added to the pressure, before Pathum Nissanka showed the way. But the loss of four wickets in quick time, gave Hong Hong an opening before Wanindu Hasaranga’s cameo sealed the deal at Dubai on Monday evening.
With 32 needed of 30, the loss of four wickets including that of Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis, Sri Lanka appeared to be on self destruction. Despite Hong Kong dropping as many as at least five catches, Sri Lanka struggled to capitalise before finding themselves in a spot of bother. “In that moment, I think our heart was in our mouths,” captain Asalanka said after the game. “There are a few areas I am really disappointed about. First three overs when we were bowling and then the 16th over, we lost a couple of wickets and then lost my wicket. In the shorter format, these things can happen but it cannot keep happening consistently. We have to analyse it and improve ourselves,” he added.
Even in their recent series against Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka were stretched as they continue to struggle in T20s. Their lacklustre show with the ball wasn’t overlooked by Asalanka, who believed his bowlers were not upto the mark in the first powerplay. “We felt confident of chasing it because the pitch was looking good. Credit goes to them (Hong Kong), they batted really well and we bowled badly in the first three overs. This is not the way we wanted to play. When we are playing these sides, there is always pressure. But we are professionals and as professionals, we have to do much better than this,” he said.
Being in the Group of Death with Afghanistan and Bangladesh being the other teams, any slip can prove costly when it comes to making it to the Super 4’s stage. Having beaten Bangladesh and Hong Kong, Sri Lanka can progress to the next stage provided Afghanistan beats Bangladesh on Tuesday.
