BAN vs SL: Sri Lanka Cricket Seeks Explanation Over Poor Performance Against India: Reports

Sri Lanka’s defeat to India in Mumbai on Friday was their most shocking defeat against India in recent times. The Lankan nation for the second time in two months were bundled out for a paltry score of less than a hundred.

Sri Lanka were bundled out for just 50 in the Asia Cup 2023 final against India. Now again in the ICC World Cup 2023 match in Mumbai, the side was bundled out for just 55 in less than 20 overs. The side chasing 358 for victory, lost by 302 runs.

The loss has ended almost all hopes of the nation making it to the semi-finals of the tournament. The Lankans who played the 2007 and 2011 World Cup finals are now seen as a “laughing stock” as per reports.

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Sri Lanka Cricket Board Seek For Answers After Mammoth Defeat

The Sri Lanka Cricket Board is now demanding an explanation as to why the team’s performance was so bad throughout the tournament, as per Daily Mirror. Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe last week, revealed the salaries which are being paid for the coaching staff. According to him, Head Coach Chris Silverwood is being paid a monthly salary of US$ 30000, while Batting Consultant Coach Mahela Jayawardane collects US$ 20,000. The board officials are now criticizing the management for not doing their work properly with the players.

Injuries to key players including the captain are said to be one of the reasons behind Sri Lanka’s disappointing so far in the campaign. The only bright spot in the match was Dilshan Madushanka who took 5/80.

The bowling attack looks weak in the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga who was the highest wicket-taker in the qualifiers. Without him, Maheesh Theekshana has looked ineffective. Sri Lanka did not play Dunith Wellalage in the match despite the left-arm spinner taking wickets against India in the Asia Cup.

Head Coach Chris Silverwood and batting consultant Mahela Jayawardene have failed to string together a batting lineup that looks effective. The lack of a powerful finisher at number six or seven is being seen as one of the other reasons why Sri Lanka’s batting lineup has lacked intent in the final overs. Against India, on Friday five of the seven batters were dismissed for ducks.

Sri Lanka’s last two games are against Bangladesh (November 6) and New Zealand (November 9). Both are must-win games and Sri Lanka need to win them by big margins.

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