Sri Lanka battle with oppressive heat than opposition

 Sadeera Samarawickrama – Player of the Match vs Afghanistan ‘A’

Sahan Arachchige – Player of the Match vs Ireland Wolves

• “It’s more or less how you handle the heat that can make the difference” – coach Gunawardene
• Explore Afghanistan Tri-Nation Series in Abu Dhabi

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

The ongoing Explore Afghanistan Tri-Nation Series in Abu Dhabi has been described by Sri Lanka ‘A’ team head coach Avishka Gunawardene as a battle, more with the stifling heat than the opposition.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ managed to win their first two matches in the circumstances against Ireland Wolves and Afghanistan ‘A’ to put themselves within reach of the final. They need to win one of their two remaining matches against Ireland Wolves on Saturday or against Afghanistan ‘A’ on Wednesday to get there.

“It’s quite warm here and it goes up to about 40 degrees. You have to consider the heat which keeps going up every day from the time we got here, so we have to keep that factor in mind,” said Gunawardene. “It’s not easy, we have to somehow manage and give the players adequate rest and time to recover. The practice sessions are not very long but quite short.”

“When you are out there for 50 overs in 38-40 degrees, then a score of 260-270 you need to have enough energy to come back and chase it down. It is also a factor you need to concentrate on as it goes on. Now that winter is over, we are in the summer so it’s going up. They say generally, this time of the year they don’t play much cricket here. It’s more or less how you handle the heat that can make the difference.”

Gunawardene said that in the first game against Ireland Wolves, the first half the wicket was a bit difficult to negotiate because the wicket had a bit of grass, a spongy bounce and a lot of turn. For the second game he said it was flatter with less grass and batting friendly.

“It was a belter, but upfront with the new ball our seamers bowled quite well. They took 3-4 early wickets and put the opposition on the back foot. It’s a good thing that we managed to defend a score and then managed to chase it down as well. It’s good for our confidence.”

Sri Lanka ‘A’ defended a total of 264 against Ireland Wolves to win the contest by 45 runs and followed it up by chasing down Afghanistan ‘A’ total of 248 to win by six wickets.

“The way the wickets here are prepared, the par score is around 270-275. We were under par in the first game but it was good to see them defending that total. It all depends on the first few overs with the new ball and how you go about it. You have to take a few early wickets with the new ball because when the ball gets older and the wicket gets flatter it becomes easier for the batters. It’s how good you bowl upfront and determine how many runs you can keep the opposition down to.”

Gunawardene said that he is keen to give some of the other players who are sitting outside, a game in the next two matches.

“I had a chat with the selectors today to see whether I can give an opportunity in the next game to some of the boys who are sitting outside. Someone like Milan Rathnayake whom we want to have a look at with the white ball and, someone like (Lasith) Croospulle who is here only for white ball competition. It’s worth giving him a go.”

Gunawardene was impressed the way left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka came back after the first match where he went for 45 runs in 6 overs, but came back in the second to take 4/37 in 10.

“He was a little rusty in the first game but in the second game he came back with his lines and lengths. Bowled pretty decently with the new ball as well as with the older ball in the death overs. Nice to see him back in rhythm. It’s good to see him improving from the first game to the second. Now it’s about being consistent in the next games.”

In the third match of the tournament yesterday, Afghanistan “A” beat Ireland Wolves by seven wickets to secure their first win.