"We must really improve our batting" - Charith Asalanka angry on Team Sri Lanka after T20I series loss to India

On Sunday, July 28, the Charith Asalanka-led Sri Lanka National Cricket Team played the second T20I of the three-match series against Suryakumar Yadav-led India National Cricket Team at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele.

Charith Asalanka's team entered the match on the back of a defeat against the Men In Blue in the first game. Asalanka's start as the permanent captain wasn't the way he would have liked as his team, despite being competitive at different stages, ended up facing a hammering at the hands of the Suryakumar Yadav & Co.

Asalanka won his first toss as the permanent captain and decided that his team would bowl first. Despite trying almost every weapon in his arsenal, Charith Asalanka and his team were unsuccessful in stopping the carnage of the Indian batters.

Even though Sri Lanka bagged two wickets inside the first 10 overs, it came for 111 runs. In the next 10 overs, the hosts' bowling unit stepped up and pulled things back quite well. At a stage, it looked like the visitors would cross 240 easily, but the bowlers didn't let that happen.

Matheesha Pathirana finished with four scalps, while Wanindu Hasaranga, Dilshan Madushanka, and Asitha Fernando bagged one wicket each to restrict the opposition to 213/7.

Despite the huge total on the board, Pathum Nissanka (79) and Kusal Mendis (45) batted without pressure and took the team off to a flying start. But as soon as the top-order was removed, the Lankan Lions collapsed to 170 and lost by 43 runs.

I am really disappointed with the way we batted at the death - Charith Asalanka

Speaking of the second T20I, Sri Lanka were invited to bat first, and despite a good performance from the top order, they managed to post just 161/9 on the board.

With the ball, they weren't up to the mark and allowed India to complete the run-chase and win the match by 7 wickets. Notably, India were given a revised target of 78 runs in 8 overs as rain interrupted the match.

At the post-match presentation ceremony, Charith Asalanka said that he was extremely disappointed with the batting performance of the team and added that they need to improve. He said:

"I am really disappointed with the way we batted at the death and about our middle order and lower middle order including me. We must really improve in our batting."

Charith Asalanka further said that they need to forget the losses and bounce back strong in the upcoming matches. He stated:

"On this pitch, when the ball gets older, it gets really hard to bat. As professional cricketers, we have to do well. We were behind by 15-18 runs. Unfortunately the weather also played something, we can't control that. It's easy when it comes to an 8-over game with a wet outfield."