Swing made things difficult for Lankan batters - http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Irfan-Pathan-c1601 – Cricket News Roundup – August 8, 2012 – Part 2
Irfan Pathan, the Indian left-armer, who took three wickets and claimed the Player of the Match, was content with his display during the Only T20I against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758, identifying swing as the key factor for his success.
Pathan maintained his impressive form on tour, swinging his side to victory in a devastating early spell where he claimed the top-order scalps of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DPMD-Jayawardene-c1397.
The Men in Blue, who had posted 155, eventually restricted their hosts to 116, leaving Pathan to receive a deserved Player of the Match accolade. "Mahela was going great guns. The ball was swinging and we knew that if we got wickets, it would be difficult for the Sri Lankan batsmen," http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Irfan-c64444 said.
South African opener, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AN-Petersen-c1028, who scored a towering hundred at Headingley against England, suggests that there is little two choose between the two side ahead of the final Test at Lord’s.
The Proteas are currently leading the series 1-0 after a mammoth victory in the first Test at Oval, before both sides had to settle for a draw in the subsequent bout, which saw Petersen returning to form with a special 182-run effort.
With still plenty to play for in the final game at Lord’s, the opener feels that one bad session for either side could prove decisive. "I still don't think there is a lot in it. Most of our batters have scored some runs. Some of them might have wanted to score some more. It will come down to one or two sessions once more," he said.
Sri Lankan skipper, Mahela Jayawardene, said that there remain no clear favourites for the upcoming World T20 Cup, asserting that a good start will be key for any side to perform well.
"In Twenty20 cricket, anything can happen," Jayawardene said. "It all depends on how you perform on the day. It all depends on how well you start the tournament, and how well you can maintain the momentum."
The mega-event begins on the 18th of next month, which will see hosts Sri Lanka taking on http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 in 2010.
Tags: