Sri Lanka reveals ‘big hole’ in team

 Charith Asalanka: ‘Selectors and coaches are also responsible’

By Champika Fernando in Abu Dhabi

Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup campaign ground to a halt in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday night where a meek batting performance left them with just 133 to defend that gifted Pakistan a straightforward five-wicket victory.

It prompted the captain Charith Asalanka to reveal what he called “a big hole in the side”, in his blunt post-match reflections, admitting that the game was effectively lost in the opening exchanges. “First of all, I think losing five wickets (for 70) early made it very difficult to come back. Against a strong side like Pakistan, that sort of collapse leaves you with a mountain to climb.

“I think the main issue was with our middle order. The responsibility is ours. Chasing has generally been the better option in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. But as professionals, we cannot depend on the toss,” said Asalanka.

It was a telling remark, hinting at a side still struggling to mature tactically.

Sri Lanka’s last Super Four game, against India on Friday, is now a little more than a dead rubber. The bigger concern lies in the horizon, a home World Cup next year. Selection policies, team balance and batting depth need urgent attention if Sri Lanka is to mount a serious challenge. 

The message is clear that Sri Lanka needs to settle on a stable line-up, find a reliable middle order and stop masking deficiencies with fleeting group-stage victories. Currently Sri Lanka remain a team capable only of sparks of brilliance but repeatedly undone by self-inflicted wounds. 

“Being an all-rounder is not easy. If you do not contribute in either discipline, it leaves a big hole in the side. That is something we must resolve quickly, together with the selectors and coaches,” said Asalanka.

But unless his words are backed by decisive action, Sri Lanka could find itself rehearsing the same old post-mortems in tournaments to come.

Team selection did not help matters. Opting to drop a specialist batsman in favour of an all-rounder backfired badly. Instead of strengthening the depth, Sri Lanka ended up with a brittle line-up that never came close to the captain’s target of 170-plus. 

“With seven genuine batsmen, our batting has been fine, but defending totals with fewer bowlers has not worked. Today we tried a different balance, but again, it did not produce enough runs.” 

The innings began briskly, with Sri Lanka reaching 53 for 3 in the Power-play overs. But the quick dismissals of Charith Asalanka (20) and Dasun Shanaka (0) sucked the momentum out of the innings. “I do not think either of us got out playing reckless shots, but we as batsmen must take responsibility,” Asalanka said. 

Looking ahead, he attempted a pacifying tone. “Realistically, our chances of making the final is gone. But there are still positives to take as a team. If we take this setback in the right spirit, it will help us move forward,” he said.

Such words ring hollow as it is not the first time Sri Lanka have sought solace in positives after a defeat. Fans and players, deserve more than stock phrases. The real issues, an unsettled middle order, muddled selections and misuse of part-time bowlers, remain unresolved.

Asalanka was also candid about his own struggles. “Recently, I have not been able to deliver that consistently. Every player goes through a bad patch, and I am no different. I know the team and fans expect more from me,” he admitted highlighting the absence of match-winning contributions from senior figures.