by Rex Clementine
How much relevance bilateral and tri-nation ODI cricket will retain after next year’s World Cup remains anyone’s guess. So let’s enjoy the format while we can. On Thursday night, Rawalpindi served up a feast as Sri Lanka chased down 430 with one ball to spare, leaving England shell shocked and the rest of the cricketing world rubbing its eyes.
Harry Brook’s record breaking double hundred could not secure victory as Sri Lanka pulled off a remarkable comeback. A team that had spent much of the past six months stumbling from one disappointment to another suddenly had the cricketing world on its feet.
That is the thing with Gary Kirsten. From the moment he took charge, he has stressed the importance of getting the processes right. One of his priorities has been playing on good pitches. There will always be the temptation to argue that Sri Lanka might have beaten India in the Test series had they rolled out rank turners. But the bigger picture demands that we buy into Gary’s thinking.
He is a methodical coach who places a premium on values and crucially, treats everyone equally. Someone might occasionally pull a fast one on him, but they are unlikely to get away with it for long.
Even so, this victory came like a bolt from the blue. Once England crossed 400, Sri Lanka looked done and dusted. There was no Pathum Nissanka to tear into the bowling during the Powerplay, nor Wanindu Hasaranga to provide firepower at the death. Somehow, though, they found a way.
Avishka Fernando played a blinder and Dasun Shanaka matched him with an innings of his own. Pavan Rathnayake translated his domestic success into runs on the international stage. His unusual stance may invite comparisons with Shivnarine Chanderpaul, but what matters is what happens once the ball leaves the bowler’s hand. On that score, he is doing rather nicely.
Janith Liyanage, meanwhile, continues to build a reputation as a finisher. He delivered again, producing some stunning strokes before settling the argument with a six off the penultimate ball. Finishing schools could do worse than study his composure.
Sri Lanka still have issues to address, but the inquest can wait for another day. For now, this victory should provide a generous injection of confidence and the self belief so conspicuously absent even during the England tour. A strong showing in this competition could also put fifth place in the ODI rankings within reach.
This time next year, the World Cup will be in full swing, with all three teams battling to secure places in the Super Seven stage. The expanded tournament features 14 teams, compared with ten at the previous edition. A top three finish in either group of six guarantees progress, with the better fourth placed side claiming the remaining berth.
Everything Sri Lanka do now should serve that campaign. Under a sensible man like Gary, one hopes there will be continuity rather than the selection merry go round that marked the build up to the 2019 and 2023 tournaments. The players already in the system need regular opportunities and clearly defined roles.
Rawalpindi offered a glimpse of what that faith can produce. The task now is to make such performances a habit.