Asian Netball: Stiff challenge by Malaysia a good eye-opener for Sri Lanka

By Dhammika Ratnaweera reporting from Singapore

A very competitive and an energetic Malaysian team went down fighting on Wednesday to Sri Lanka in their round two group match in the Asian Netball Championship in Singapore. Sri Lanka beat Malaysia by 62-59 in a thriller.

Experienced campaigner Gayani Dissanayake said that the Malaysian lasses were extra energetic and we had to adapt to their fast game and quick adjustments in the field gave them better off Malaysia. “Actually we lost the first quarter and thereafter we managed to adapt to their game style and fasten our mode of play too” said Dissanayake.

“I think this is good eye opener for us. We beat Chineae Thaipe and India quite easily and then Singapore with a good plan, but we knew the defending Asian champions Malaysia was going to be tough.” she added.

She further said that coming into tournament they knew their strengths and weaknesses. “We have handled very well so far, but we need to develop in some areas in order to win this tournament” explained Gayani Dissanayake.

Sri Lanka will meet Hong Kong, who had the better off the hosts Singapore 50/49.

Meanwhile loosing Malaysian team head coach  Choo Kon Lee said he was happy the way their side played against Sri Lanka and they would improve in some areas in order to make it to the finals.

“Sri Lanka has the advantage of a tall shooter Tharjani Shivalingam. But we were ahead in passing and defending” encouraged Kon Lee.

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