International Cricket Update: Sri Lanka may have qualified for the Super 12s of the present T20 World Cup, but Captain Dasun Shanaka is anxious about the top-performance order in the tournament's highlight event.
After a convincing 70-run victory against Ireland in the opening round of the 2021 T20 World Cup ICC Men's tournament on Wednesday, Sri Lanka became the first side to advance to the Super 12s.
Off-spinner Paul Stirling outfoxed opener, Kusal Perera, after just two deliveries, while Dinesh Chandimal and Avishka Fernando both fell early, putting Sri Lanka on eight for three after just ten balls, raising additional doubts about their top order.
"We were a bit worried. The top-order has been a little concerning for us. We had a plan before the World Cup to send Hasaranga up the order," said Shanaka in the post-match presentation.
Wanindu Hasaranga scored 71 runs to assist the 2014 winners to reach 171 for seven in their first innings before Maheesh Theekshana's mysterious spin bowling helped them dismiss Ireland for 101 in Abu Dhabi during the live T20 match.
Sri Lanka's captain also stated that the Asian team's fielding has to be improved, along with the starting lineup's batting display.
"It is a great luxury to have quick pacers. They are accurate as well. Credit to the coaches as well. We need to improve at the top-order and on our fielding as well," said Shanaka.
With Ireland facing Namibia in the last round of games, Sri Lanka is guaranteed a spot in the Super 12s, while also knowing that a win against the Netherlands on Friday will see them top the table and join England, Australia, West Indies, and South Africa in Group 1 as team A1.
Meanwhile, Ireland and Namibia will compete in a thrilling encounter in which the victor will go to the Super 12s.
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