Charith Asalanka, captain of Sri Lanka, is pleased to have a “good headache” as a result of his team’s batters’ comeback in the limited-overs tournament.
Charith Asalanka, captain of Sri Lanka, is pleased to have a “good headache” as a result of his team’s batters’ comeback in the limited-overs tournament. With the 2-1 victory over West Indies in the ODI series on Saturday, they recorded their third straight white-ball series. Before defeating India in the ODI series, they had previously won the T20I series against the Windies. Opening batsman Nishan Madushka surprised Sri Lanka with his performance, scoring 38 and 69 in the two ODIs the team won after replacing injured Pathum Nissanka, who made a half-century when he returned to the team in the last ODI against the West Indies.
There is now fierce rivalry for slots in the top three because Madushka, Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (who hit a 19-ball fifty in the rain-shortened third ODI), Avishka Fernando, and even Kusal Perera are all batsmen in excellent form.
Asalanka believes the club management will have a difficult time choosing the roster going forward due to the recent performances of the top-order hitters.
“The form of Nishan Madushka makes me very delighted. It would be a huge victory for us if we had a player in that kind of form on the bench. We now have good headaches when we attend a selection meeting. After the series victory, Asalanka remarked, “It’s difficult for the coach, selectors, and myself to choose a team.”We’re currently working on a mechanism that will allow players to participate in the team for a sufficient amount of time while also giving others a chance. Because of this, we welcomed Pathum Nissanka back today and dropped Nishan Madushka. We know that Nissanka has been a special player for two or three years, so there’s no use in discussing much about him. Given how well Avishka performed in the previous series, we also had to offer him a spot. However, we are now much more optimistic about Nishan as well.
“We’ll have a significant victory if we have a player in that kind of form on the bench. Asalanka commented on Madushka’s form, “We have good headaches now when we go into a selection meeting.”
Asalanka attributed his comeback on the recent tour to the NSL. He was named Player of the ODI Series against the West Indies for his 77 and an undefeated 62 in the first two games.
“I wasn’t playing well in the previous series against India. He had scored 49 runs in three ODI innings. I did, however, participate in the NSL tournament and received a great result. The board deserves our gratitude for hosting the NSL.There is a competitive level of cricket in this tournament. And it applies to all players, regardless of whether they play for their country or not. You may develop your skills, improve your form, and rise there,” he remarked.
Starting at Dambulla on November 9, Sri Lanka will now play New Zealand in three ODIs and two T20Is. Following that, on November 27, the team will take a plane to South Africa to play two Test matches.
