Dasun Shanaka: Sri Lanka became the first team to advance to the Super 12 from the first round of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday after a landslide 70-race win over Ireland.
Sri Lanka became the first team to advance to the Super 12 since the first round of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday after a landslide 70-race victory over Ireland.
Starter Kusal Perera held only two balls before being taunted by secondary player Paul Stirling, while Dinesh Chandimal and Avishka Fernando also fell early, leaving Sri Lanka eight to three after just ten balls to launch more questions about their top ranking.
“We were a bit worried. The top-order has been a little concerning for us. We had a plan before the World Cup to send Hasaranga up the order,” said Shanaka in the post-match presentation.
Wanindu Hasaranga hit 71 with the bat as the 2014 master hit 171 of seven hits first before Maheesh Theekshana helped capture Ireland 101 in Abu Dhabi via a mysterious twist.
The Sri Lankan skipper also pointed out that the Asian team needs to improve the field along with the poor attacking power of the higher orders.
Sri Lanka could have qualified for the Super 12 of the current T20 World Cup, but skipper Dasun Shanaka is concerned about Top Order’s poor performance at the flagship event.
“It is a great luxury to have quick pacers. They are accurate as well. Credit to the coaches as well. We need to improve at the top-order and on our fielding as well,” said Shanaka.
Sri Lanka is the only Group A team to win two out of two. And with Ireland facing Namibia in the final round of matches.
A spot in the Super 12 is assured despite knowing a win. Over the Netherlands on Friday seeing the top of the table and joining England, Australia, the West Indies. And South Africa in Group 1 as Team A1.
Meanwhile, Ireland and Namibia face off in a delicious match in which the winners also qualify for the Super 12.
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