Sri Lanka eye another ODI home series win

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Hard work the players have put in has enabled us to move forward – Head Coach

Charith Asalanka has played a key role alongside me – Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya

Tanzid Hasan works hard at his game in the nets

Another ODI series win is within their grasp if Sri Lanka play their cards right when they take on Bangladesh in the second ODI at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium today.

Twice Sri Lanka came from behind to snatch the advantage away from Bangladesh in the first ODI which they won by 77 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. First, when batting when they recovered from 89-4 to post a total of 244 and, then when Bangladesh were cruising at 100-1 in reply to bowl them out for 167.

These are hallmarks of a side that is not willing to throw in the towel when the going is not good but ready to fight till the bitter end, something which is akin to how the Australians play their cricket.

“It was a big challenge from where we were, to come up. It has been a big process,” said Sri Lanka Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya ahead of today’s ODI. “We had missed out on the Champions Trophy. Every opportunity we got, we tried to revive the ODI team. Charith Asalanka has played a key role alongside me. What we have done is to give the players confidence and get the best out of them. The players have worked very hard and that hard work we put in has enabled us to move forward. If we want to move further up, we need to consistently work on other areas like fielding and batting.”

Jayasuriya said that he was not sure what changes Bangladesh would make but added: “The last side they played was a team that had lots of experience. Whatever they put out on the field, we are confident. We will not take anyone for granted.”

On the Sri Lankan fight back Jayasuriya said, “Teams can collapse when chasing totals. The key was the way we put pressure on them. We didn’t panic although they were cruising after the first 15 overs. We tried to keep things tight and when we are showing discipline on the field, there are opportunities created. Milan (Rathnayake) gave us a sniff with that run out. Then the spinners were on the money and Bangladesh couldn’t handle the pressure.”

Opener Tanzid Hasan who top scored for Bangladesh with 62 said, “We had a long discussion about the last match. The coaches gave us some information. On a wicket like this, those who get set need to finish things off since it’s hard for new batters to adjust. They have top-quality spinners in their side, so those who are set need to bat as long as possible. Against (Wanindu) Hasaranga, the left-hand batters need to take as much strike as possible since he is not as effective against them compared to right-handers. A few pieces of information like that were given to us, might help us in the next match.”

Tanzid blamed himself for not batting long enough to see Bangladesh home after spending so much time in the middle.

“I don’t think I played well. I didn’t fulfil the team’s requirements. If I had fulfilled that, then I would have said that I played well. But there is a chance to make a comeback. It’s a three-match series. One match is done. The next one is important. If we can make a comeback, then Insha Allah we will still be in the series. Personally, I just want to take it one match at a time. I would love to finish the job that I couldn’t in the last match.”

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