Mahela rues lack of momentum during World T20 defeat – Cricket News Update
Mahela Jayawardene, the Sri Lankan captain, attributed the final loss on his side’s failure to take advantage of the first six overs, after they were set 138 to win by World T20 winners http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760.
The Lankan side suffered yet another major -title heartache last night, following their dismal showing with the bat during the final of the competition. The home side had everything in order in the lead up to game but faltered badly under pressure to lose the tie by 36 runs.
They had the luxury of playing at home, which ultimately paid handsomely in the Super Eight round of the tournament, from where they emerged undefeated, including a convincing win over the Windies. They then outclassed http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 on a Colombo pitch, which ideally suited their composition, to make it to their fourth ICC-organized final since 2007.
The start to the match was strong, as they pinned the oppositions back in the early stages, which saw the Windies struggling at 32 for 2. However, the complexion changed after that, with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SL-Malinga-c2540 to give the innings a much needed impetus, as the tourists eventually settled on 138.
The Lankan chase got off to the worst possible start as their inform opener http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DPMD-Jayawardene-c1397 to accumulate as the Powerplay overs yielded just 30 runs.
With the momentum lost, the Windies took full advantage and picked up regular wickets to seal victory. The Sri Lankan skipper admitted that the early damage forced them to reconsider their strategy.
“We wanted to attack. The first six overs, it was crucial for us to get a good start, particularly with the hardness of the ball. But when http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AU-Rashid-c1106 got out in the first ball of the second over, that kept us back because Kumar and I knew we had to consolidate and we couldn't lose another wicket in the first six overs.
“We were looking at 45-50 runs in the first six to put pressure on them, but that didn't materialise. They bowled really well and took pace off the ball. They didn't bowl their quicks and kept bowling their spinners. We never had momentum going in that chase.”
Tags: