When Srinath and Agakar floored the Lankas (11 November 1998)

When the Sri Lankans had the Indians groggy on the ropes having dismissed them for 179, only the knockout blow had to be delivered but the final blow could not be administered as the Indians fought back magnificently powered by their two pacemen

11-Nov-1998

11 November 1998

When Srinath and Agakar floored the Lankas

Elmo Rodrigopulle

To be dismissed for 179 had apparently hurt Indian pride. They took the field all pumped up. From the first ball Srinath and Agakar bowled like men possessed.

They bowled eight overs each on the trot and it was intelligent, controlled and devastating bowling. Till skipper Azharuddin called off their blitz they had the batsmen by the jagular and the Lankan batsmen came and went acknowledging that the bowling was unplayable.

What a transformation it was on the field after the Indian batsmen had fared rather badly. They bowled and fielded in unbelievable fashion. In addition 'Azhar' placed attacking fields; field placing at times looked like it was a Test match and not a one-dayer.

The pressure that was put on the Lankan batsmen was too much. Even the experienced men failed to cope with it and the Indians richly deserved victory for their gallantry on the field.

At the start of the match skipper Ranatunga vowed to bounce back although two down. Half the vow was fulfilled when his bowlers obliged to bundle out the Indians for a score that was easily getable considering the strong batting line up.

But the other half of the vow was not fulfilled as the batsmen failed to bat with purpose and responsibility thereby presenting the game to the Indians on a platter. What was apparent was that lack of team spirit and togetherness that was so happily present in the recent past.

What a difference 'thunderball' Agarkar has provided this Indian side. Small made yet lively and bouncy with a lion heart, Agarkar has the ammunition to destroy any batting side on his day. He is able to fire lightning pace and then bowl a well disguised slower ball that bemuses the batsmen. Ask Atapattu and he will tell you.

Srinath who has come back after recovering from injury is an ideal foil for Agakar. Together, on a slightly helpful wicket, they have it in them to send batsmen scurrying back to the pavilion in disbelief.

As for the Lankans the questions to be asked are: What was the logic in opening with two left handers. Would not a right hand left hand combination make the bowlers vary or lose their line and length? Sri Lankans have persisted with Jayasuriya and Gunewardena with little or no success. Must they then continue with a ploy that has failed?

In the first game against the Indians when victory was within reach, what made Ranatunga not bowl Vaas but call on Dharmasena who had been smashed around in his first spell? Vaas had bowled his eight overs economically and knocked back the stumps of Azharuddin with a beauty. Critics reckon that had Ranatunga bowled Vaas instead of Dharmasena victory could have been achieved. These are pertinent questions.

As for the Jayasuyriya/Gunewardena combination we are sure the men who matter are experimenting, what with the all-important World Cup to be defended in England next year.

The wickets in Sharjah seem to be two phased. The ones against India have been played on fast tracks and the one against Zimbabwe saw a slow wicket in which the Lankans who are natural strokemakers failed to adjust and played shots too early to fall prey.

The Zimbabweans showed what brilliant fielding could do to raise the level of even a mediocre team. Lacking big names, they were diving, sliding, grabbing the half chances and cutting down runs with smart ground fielding that made them look a team that will have to be reckoned with as they progress.

The Sri Lankans have lost three games in a row. It must be galling to them, what with pride to guard as world champions. The Lankans are known to come from behind with a vengeance and strike back. The setting is ideal for them to show the lion in them.

A convincing win against the Zimbabweans in their second meeting could still see them playing the Indians in the final. Our wish is that the Lankans will put the defeats behind them, get their act together, and not only beat the Zimbabweans but also the Indians if they play in the final

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