The Sri Lankan players will now try to give the ‘˜perfect send off’ for Mahela Jayawardene and Kumara Sangakkara after they beat the 2012 champions, the West Indies by 27 runs via the Duckworth Lewis method after thundershowers stopped proceedings in the 14th over of the second innings.
The Sri Lankan players will now try to give the ‘perfect send off’ for Mahela Jayawardene and Kumara Sangakkara after they beat the 2012 champions, the West Indies by 27 runs via the Duckworth Lewis method after thundershowers stopped proceedings in the 14th over of the second innings.
Surprisingly, Dinesh Chandimal decided to opt out of the game and Lasith Malinga led in his absence. Batting first in the semi-final, they reached an impressive 160 for 6 riding on vital contributions from Angelo Mathews (40) and Lahiru Thirimanne (45). At once, the West Indies had the Sri Lankans on the mat but Angelo Mathews ensured that they reached a 150 plus total.
In reply, West Indies got off to a worst start possible. Chris Gayle departed early and Dwayne Smith followed suit. They were 80 for four in 13.5 overs when a storm followed by heavy downpour ruled out any chances of a game. The umpires called off the game as the D/L par score at that point of time was 107 and the Caribbean’s were well short of the target.
Sri Lanka made their 3rd T20 World Cup final appearance and now wait the victors between India and South Africa. West Indies will rue the chances missed in the initial overs after their batsmen dried up with the sixes and fours.
The Lankan Lions will go into the Finals with high in confidence as even if their batsmen are failing, the bowlers are still ruling the roost. Even if many critics are citing India as favourites for the T20 title, Sri Lanka, on their day, can eclipse the opposition with the mixture of youth and experience in their side.
