Sri Lanka: Lessons to learn from our defeat by South Africa (6 November 1998)

6 November 1998

Sri Lanka: Lessons to learn from our defeat by South Africa

The Daily News

Sri Lanka was beaten neck and crop by South Africa in the semi-finals in the Wills Mini World Cup in Bangladesh recently. South Africa clinched the trophy by trouncing the up and coming West Indies.

The way that Sri Lanka lost to South Africa is something to take note of. It's true, that all odds were against Sri Lanka in this particular encounter. The weather gods too were against them. The World Champions for the first time experienced the Duckworth/Lewis rain rule. The match was to be decided in a minimum of 15 overs and not the usual 25 overs. With the new rain rule, it was hard to maintain the target, as it kept changing at the fall of every wicket, and for that matter, on every stoppage. Therefore, it was true, that Sri Lanka were under pressure all the time. For Sri Lanka to chase 240 runs for victory in 34 overs was no doubt, a herculean task.

Winning or losing a match is a different matter. But, how you play the game is important. The disappointment was that, even though Sri Lanka lost, they did not lose honourably. It was an allround pathetic performance by our cricketers. Our bowling, fielding and especially our batting failed miserably and all credit should go to the South Africans. They were a determined lot who have done lot of home work.

Even in chasing a total, it was crystal clear, that Sri Lanka's batsmen did not have a plan. They were not committed, lacked concentration and made rash strokes. Some of the top batsmen got panic-stricken threw away their wickets as they had a target of 240 runs in 15 overs. Sanath Jayasuriya opened the gates by yards and allowed the South African bowlers to make inroads to Sri Lankan territory and how well they fired. One by one, our batsmen fell, without resistance.

A thinking game like cricket revolves round concentration and commitment. This was the very thing that the Sri Lankan cricketers lacked on this important day.

I presume, this defeat will be an eye-opener for the Sri Lanka team. I am sure, that they will learn from their mistakes and give a pleasing display in Sharjah, before they embark on the all-important World Series Tournament in Australia in January, and the World Cup in May 1999, in England.

Cricket is a funny game. Sri Lanka must not lose courage and determination just because they lost this match. There are many lessons that we have to learn from this reversal. Our bowling, except for Chaminda Vass and Nuwan Soysa lacked penetration. Muralitharan was oft-colour. Added to the woes, our fielding too was not upto world class standard. Therefore, the authorities should try to remedy the mistakes and tune them properly for the future tournament.

Sri Lankans are very sentimental. They always think of victory. In cricket, like in life, there are setbacks. The beauty is how you take it up. When we win, we overrate them. When we lose, we run them down.

Both extremes are no good at all. Cricket fans should encourage and motivate Sri Lankan cricketers when they lose. Come out with your constructive criticisms, not the destructive ones. It is only then that our cricketers will not lose their morale and they will come good. We must not forget the fact that still they are world champs. :Kent young cricketers to tour here

It is heartening to hear that Kent young cricketers (under-17) who won the county championship regional level in 1998 will tour Sri Lanka next month. The Board of Control for Sri Lanka have given them the green light and the blessings to tour Sri Lanka which is very encouraging. Their tour begins on December 13 and ends on January 3.

Kent young cricketers will play Sri Lankan young cricketers in Kalutara, Kandy, Matara, Gampaha, Kurunegala, Moratuwa and Colombo.

The man behind the tour arrangements in Sri Lanka is Mr. Errol Seneviratne that reputed former Sri Lankan cricket umpire who did yeoman service as an umpire in England and Sri Lanka for many years. He is mainly responsible for arranging this tour.

This tour will be a golden opportunity for our youngsters to show their class and come into recognition to gain national honours. This will help the BCCSL to pick talent from the outstations and it augurs well for Sri Lanka cricket. it's a good exposure for our young cricketers.

Source :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)