{"id":28633,"date":"2014-03-09T16:52:44","date_gmt":"2014-03-09T21:52:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dbsjeyaraj.com\/dbsj\/?p=28633"},"modified":"2014-03-09T16:52:44","modified_gmt":"2014-03-09T21:52:44","slug":"sri-lanka-cricket-and-skipper-angelo-mathews-on-upward-march-after-winning-asia-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dbsjeyaraj.com\/dbsj\/?p=28633","title":{"rendered":"Sri Lanka Cricket and Skipper Angelo Mathews on Upward March After Winning Asia Cup."},"content":{"rendered":"

By<\/p>\n

Roshan Abeysinghe<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Asia Cup which was conducted with much expectation has finally ended. The giants of Asian cricket did flex their muscles and the outcome sadly for teams such as Bangladesh has been predictable.<\/p>\n

Having the opportunity of playing at home in front of the large crowds Bangladesh has faltered not just against their more experienced neighbours but against the unknown and lowly Afghanistan too.<\/p>\n

If there was a low point in the cricket of Bangladesh then the defeat against the Afghanistan team should rank with it. I am sure the confidence of Bangladesh has been dented and their matches against the rest of the teams especially after their defeat to Afghanistan were more or less predictable. They will never be faltered for trying though their major problem was not knowing how to win.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

There were many opportunities in all the games but sadly as they did against Sri Lanka in the bilateral series, they virtually threw it away.<\/p>\n

As for India the one major power that is making massive noises for all the wrong reasons, had a most embarrassing tournament being defeated by Sri Lanka and arch rivals Pakistan in a virtual cliffhanger.<\/p>\n

Whilst the Indian skipper Kohli did attempt to put up a brave face praising his team for the way they played, it was most clear to all that the Indians are struggling as a team both in batting and bowling. It may not be a surprise to witness India playing more games at home where their record has been excellent which will also help them in their status. With the ICC now controlled by the so called big three one can’t see this being a problem in the years to come.<\/p>\n

As for the two finalists Sri Lanka can hold its head high for doing a lot of things correctly despite the batting not looking in any good form. The batting aspect of the Lankans revolved around mainly Sangakkara, Thirimanne and Mathews whilst Jayawrdane’s form has been a huge disappointment and a factor. Dinesh Chandimal too hasn’t fired and one wonders as to how long the selectors will have patience with the young man. This especially in view of the likes of Priyanjan who has grabbed his opportunity at almost every time he played.<\/p>\n

In the bowling having the high class spin duo of Mendis and Senanayake seem to give Sri Lanka the edge though their counterparts in the Pakistan lineup has more experience. As for Mendis it has been a great comeback bowling effectively against every opposition he was up against disproving the myth that he is ineffective against Indian and Pakistan batsmen.<\/p>\n

This is obviously great news for Sri Lanka in all forms of cricket for the future. As for Senanayake I had indicated in a previous column that he will be the next big name for Sri Lanka in the limited overs format of cricket. Whilst he hasn’t taken the world by storm to most observers he has been more than handy in his appearances for the country up to now and has continued to improve.<\/p>\n

One area the Lankans will have to pay serious attention is the fast bowling in the shorter format. Though world continues to be impressed by the heroics of Malinga it is no secret that his time is limited and may not play for too long. His retirement is bound to cause one of the biggest voids Sri Lanka faced and it could be as big as the one Muralitheran created when he left.<\/p>\n

The fast bowlers in action haven’t been able to show anything promising in terms of doing what Malinga did so well and that is to bowl at the death. Lakmal who has looked good has been found wanting especially bowling in the end overs.<\/p>\n

Perera on the other hand can be called useful as a bowler than really being termed as a winner. There is no doubt that Malinga is unique and can never be replaced. Sri Lanka will do well to find a combination in the seam department that can be trusted in tough times.<\/p>\n

As for skipper Mathews it has been an upward march. The only blot so far can be the last day of the third Test match against Pakistan when Sri Lanka got everything wrong. Other than the said day the young Lankan skipper has been a fast learner and has done most things correctly and his batting too has had positive outlook with the extra burden.<\/p>\n

Winning the Asia Cup will naturally give the skipper and Sri Lanka cricket another feather in the cap. However one wonders whether a defeat in one game which can be a final could take away the good performance of the Lankans who have definitely looked the best organised unit in the whole tournament.<\/p>\n

It also brings me to a point where a three game final will be a more of an indicator than one game though in cricketing terms it is unthinkable.<\/p>\n

One hopes that Sri Lanka will have the strength and resolve to carry on and end a tournament that they have started in the same vein. It will only give them greater confidence for the World T20 which will happen in the same nation within seven days.
\n
\nCOURTESY:CEYLON TODAY<\/em><\/p>\n

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By Roshan Abeysinghe The Asia Cup which was conducted with much expectation has finally ended. The giants of Asian cricket did flex their muscles and the outcome sadly for teams such as Bangladesh has been predictable. Having the opportunity of playing at home in front of the large crowds Bangladesh has faltered not just against …<\/p>\n

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