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Shyam Impett reviews the recent white ball series against India

Sri Lanka’s recently concluded ODI and T20 series against India began as a David vs Goliath encounter but ended up looking even. Sri Lanka had a golden opportunity to win both series but a few poor decisions in the second ODI cost us the game.

Dasun Shanaka’s captaincy was questioned after that match although he came back strongly in the third game to end Sri Lanka’s losing streak.  

Say what you may but the records will show that Sri Lanka beat India 2-1 in the T20s and lost by the same margin in the ODIs. Yes, the Indian squad was hugely depleted; yet, they showed up with a side that could take on any team in world cricket today.

If you’re in a mood to nitpick however, one can say the same about the Sri Lankan squad too. Injury dropouts and selection casualties saw as many as five players not taking the field in the white ball series.

So much for trivia…

So what was good about the series?

From Wanindu Hasaranga’s amazing spells to Dushmantha Chameera’s mesmerising speed bombs, we caught a glimpse of the future of Sri Lankan cricket. The batting of Avishka Fernando was most impressive too – Sri Lankan cricket fans surely savoured his 159 runs at an average of 53.

Apart from Fernando leading the runs tally in the ODI series, the find of the series was Chamika Karunaratne. He was a breath of fresh air thanks to his attitude, approach and commitment. Indeed, he looks like the total package especially now that we’re in the last stretch to the T20 World Cup.

Karunaratne is a blessing in disguise that Sri Lanka can now bank on especially since we will not be having the services of Thisara Perera and Isuru Udana.

Minod Bhanuka looked promising with the bat but needs to be more assertive and confident to express himself. His wicketkeeping on the other hand, was on point. And apart from the odd miss here and there, Bhanuka’s positive energy behind the stumps was a bonus. He had the confidence to guide the bowlers when he saw weaknesses in the batting and read the game well from behind the stumps.

Akila Dananjaya had his moments but it was good to see him grow in confidence as the series progressed. Dananjaya and Hasaranga bowling in tandem would be great to watch in the games ahead.

Meanwhile, Hasaranga justified his ICC T20 ranking (No. 2 among the bowlers) and walked away with the Player of the Series award. It is important that the selectors manage him well; he is a genuine white ball match winner and I don’t see him as a Test cricketer just yet.

His strengths need to be utilised to fortify the white ball team. Hasaranga struggled to get back to his rhythm after the Test matches and this was obvious against Bangladesh. Chaminda Vaas must have noticed it too because he got straight to work, and turned it around just in time for the England and India series.

All things considered, Sri Lanka did exceptionally well, and the team will be stronger against South Africa with the likes of Binura Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Kusal Janith Perera and Charith Asalanka returning to the fold, following injuries and rehab.

One feels we need a stronger number five to hold things together; perhaps Asalanka is the man for that job. Shanaka could take the brave route and promote himself to No. 5 too. Let’s watch how the South Africa series unfolds – I for one am bubbling with excitement!