Lankans play themselves out

The semi-finalists of the ICC Champions Trophy tournament in South Africa have been found with the completion of the last two league round matches.

It was a sad story for Sri Lanka, which started the eight-nation 'Mini Word Cup' with a bang - beating much fancied hosts South Africa in the 'curtain raiser' game. But what originally looked relatively easy games for Sri Lanka - against England and New Zealand, ultimately turned out to be nightmares for Kumar Sangakkara and his men.

One wonders whether the Lankans became overconfident after that memorable win over South Africa and underestimated their opponents in the next two games.

Even that slim and last hope Sri Lanka had of a place in the semi finals was shattered after England's batting collapse in Tuesday's league match against New Zealand. Though England came to the last league match on a high note, winning their first two games against South Africa and Sri Lanka, they were made to eat humble pie by the determined Kiwis.

Batting first, England were bowled out for 146. Though New Zealand prevented England registering their third successive win, the Kiwis could not prevent England advancing to the semi finals to be played on Friday and Saturday at Centurion and Johannesburg respectively.

If England won their last league match against New Zealand, Sri Lanka would have had a chance of making it to the last four on a superior net run rate.

But with that easy win the Kiwis earned on Tuesday, they would advance to the semi finals along with England, leaving South Africa and Sri Lanka out from group 'B'.

Pakistan made an early booking in the 'semis' after two early wins. West Indies played some poor cricket and paid the penalty to be out of the 'semis'.

Sri Lanka team could only blame themselves for failing to make use of the early advantage they have had. Beating a superior team such as South Africans by 55 runs in their own den was a creditable achievement. But the Lankans lacked consistency and surrendered meekly to two relatively weak opponents.

Losing both their dashing openers Sanath Jayasuriya and Tillakaratne Dilshan within the first 15 balls after being put in to bat cost Sri Lanka their second game against England. Sri Lanka never recovered from early shocks after being reduced to 61 for 5 in the 20th over. England too started their run-chase disastrously, losing both their openers with only 19 runs on the board in the eighth over.

But that didn't bother England as they were chasing a modest target of only 213 runs.

Sri Lanka cut a sorry figure in the last game against New Zealand. Though skipper Kumar Sangakkara vowed to bounce back, the Kiwis taught Sri Lanka and unforgettable lesson. Sri Lanka's decision to field first after winning the toss on a good batting track was highly questionable. Under the circumstances, New Zealand proved Sangakkara's decision wrong as Brendon Macullam and Jesse Ryder put on 125 runs for the first wicket in exactly 20 overs.

Sri Lanka's bowling was in total disarray and the only bright spot was that sensational spell of 3 for 39 off 10 overs by veteran Sanath Jayasuriya. Sri Lanka's quick bowlers suffered a severe beating from New Zealand batsmen who made merry against the bowling of Nuwan Kulasekera, Thilina Thushara and Lasith Malinga.

After all, experience too matters when playing under those conditions in South Africa. If a seasoned campaigner such as Chaminda Vaas had been there, he would have used his head and combined it with his vast experience. Unfortunately, young Kulasekera, Thushara and Malinga could hardy do anything.

Though Kulasekera compensated with the bat, scoring his maiden one day international half century, Sri Lanka fell short by 38 runs. New Zealand's commanding total of 315 for 7 always looked a winning total and the Lankan batsmen had to pay for the sins of their bowlers.

Losing to India in the Compaq Cup final and the poor performance at the ICC Champions trophy in South Africa indicate that Sri Lanka has lot more to learn, if they are to regain their lost prestige.

Despite their fluent performances in the established game, Sri Lanka has fared poorly in the limited versions of the game. In late 90s, it was the other way around as the Lankans were strong in ODIs after the 1996 World Cup triumph, yet faring poorly in Tests.

Prior to the Compaq Cup debacle, Sri Lanka suffered back to back defeats in the two-match Twenty20 series against New Zealand. Sri Lanka is yet to register their maiden Twenty20 home victory.

It seems that Sri Lanka is over dependent on Jayasuriya, Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara. Fortunately, Thilan Samaraweera and Thilina Kandamby have shown some aggression.

Even the display shown by bowler turned batsman Nuwan Kulasekera is a welcome sign. With a little more concentration and training, Kulasekera could strengthen lower order batting. Vaas used to play a similar dual role in the past and if Kulasekera could make some contribution with the bat, it is definitely going to be a bonus.

What matters is to use the plus points for the benefit of the team and make it a habit of winning. Sri Lanka has a talented side but they have failed to be consistent when it comes to winning.

ICC Champions trophy is now history for Lankan team. But it taught us many useful lessons. We must make a study as to what went wrong, how and why that happened. The team will have to do a lot of home work before preparing for the next international assignments.

If Sri Lanka could tighten those lose ends and play as a team, they have the ability to beat any team in the world. What matters is to rectify our shortcomings and make winning a habit.