By Dhamika Ratnaweera
Five time champions Sri Lanka was knocked out of the Asia Cup 2018 tournament in the most pathetic way as they were beaten in the first two matches by Bangladesh and Afghanisthan. Sri Lankan team is due to arrive in island on Tuesday with a huge public out-cry for an overhaul in the team and the management.
The centre of the criticism is Sri Lankan skipper who took over the captaincy for the second time this year after he resigned his first term last year due to public resistance for team’s dismal performances. This time too things have not proven otherwise, but even worse.
Mathews, he himself is a specialist batsman and occupies the most important position in the line-up lamented about the batter for the defeat. “Once again there was poor batting had let us down, Even in the first game, we got all out for 150-odd. All credit should go to Bangladesh and Afghanistan, they outplayed us,” explained Mathews.
Sri Lanka enjoyed a fortune of success in the early months of the year and Mathews said the team has been unable to keep up to their standards. “We played better cricket in the latter part of the South Africa series. Just disappointing to see the way the boys went about it. We just couldn’t handle pressure. Not passing 150 on both occasions is very shocking and disappointing.” added Matthews.
However with this unexpected defeat against Afganistan meant Afghanistan and Bangladesh are through to the next stage. Afghanistan were expected to be a threat, few may have considered this an upset at the start of the clash, but probably a few more expected a tighter contest. This was a total knockout.
Meanwhile jubilant Afganistan Captain Asghar Afghan said that everyone of his team were committed to winning the match and that paved way for them start the series well beating a strong Sri Lankan team. “Every batsman executed his plans well, especially we spoke of partnerships. all credit to our fielders, they did well. When you want to play cricket for winning, you play positively. Our spinners, batsmen and bowlers did well. I would like to say thanks to the crowd for their support.” said Afghan.
“I knew this is the beginning we have to lot of work in this tournament. But we got more confidence with this excellent victory against Sri Lanka. There already won the Asian crown earlier we never got that chance” added Afghanitan skipper.
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