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

Charith Asalanka’s side came into the match on the back of a loss to the Men In Blue in the first match. Asalanka’s start as permanent captain did not go as he would have liked as his team, despite being competitive at different stages, ended up suffering a thrashing at the hands of Suryakumar Yadav & Co.

Asalanka won his first toss as permanent captain and decided that his team would bowl first. Despite trying almost every weapon in their arsenal, Charith Asalanka and his team failed to stop the Indian batsmen from rampaging.

Despite Sri Lanka getting two wickets in the first 10 overs, it was 111 runs. In the next 10 overs, the hosts’ bowling unit stepped up and picked up the pace pretty well. At one stage, it looked like the visitors would go past 240 easily, but the bowlers did not allow that to 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 got the team off to a flying start. But as soon as the top order was removed, the Lankan Lions slumped to 170 all out and lost by 43 runs.

I am really disappointed with the way we batted until the end – Charith Asalanka

Talking about the second T20I, Sri Lanka was 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 were not up to the mark and allowed India to complete the run chase and win the match by 7 wickets. It is noteworthy that India was 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 very disappointed with the team’s batting performance and added that they need to improve. He said:

“I’m really disappointed with the way we batted in the last over and with our middle and lower middle order, including myself. We really need to improve our batting.”

Charith Asalanka added that they need to forget the defeats and bounce back strongly in the upcoming matches. She said:

“On this pitch, when the ball gets old, it becomes very difficult to bat. As professional cricketers, we have to do well. We were losing by 15-18 runs. Unfortunately, the weather also played a role, we can’t control it. It’s easy when it’s an 8-over game on a wet outfield.”