"Seemed as if some school kids were playing" - Kamran Akmal on Sri Lanka's performances in T20I series against India
Pakistan's veteran keeper-batter Kamran Akmal recently commented on Sri Lanka conceding the T20I series to India at home. He pointed out how Sri Lanka's middle-order let them down in the second fixture on Sunday, July 28.
The hosts got off to an impressive start with the bat after being asked to bat first. They were 130/3 in 15.1 and looked set for an impressive total. However, they scored just 31 runs while losing seven wickets in the last five overs.
The home team ultimately registered 161/9 in 20 overs. The Indian innings was reduced to eight overs following a rain interruption. The Men in Blue chased down the revised 78-run target in 6.3 overs to complete a seven-wicket win.
Akmal remarked that the Sri Lankan batters threw their wickets away with reckless shots, making it seem like India were up against a bunch of school kids. Speaking in his latest YouTube video, he said (from 2:01):
"Sri Lanka lost seven wickets for 31 runs in the last five overs. While they looked set for 190, they could manage just 161. They have got themselves to blame. They haven't taken responsibility. The way Hasaranga and Shanaka got out, it seemed as if some school kids were playing. Things like game awareness and responsibility are missing."
With their seven-wicket victory in the second T20I, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
"Really disappointed with the way we batted at the death" - Charith Asalanka on Sri Lankan batting
Speaking in the post-match presentation after the second T20I, Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka expressed his disappointment over the team's poor batting performance in the death overs.
Emphasizing that the side will need to show some improvement in the batting department, Asalanka said:
"I am really disappointed with the way we batted at the death and about our middle order and lower middle order including me. We must really improve in our batting. On this pitch, when the ball gets older, it gets really hard to bat. As professional cricketers, we have to do well. We were behind by 15-18 runs. Unfortunately weather also played something, we can't control that. It's easy when it comes to an 8-over game with a wet outfield."
Charith Asalanka and Co. will want to salvage some pride by claiming a consolation win in the remaining third T20I. The match will take place at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on Tuesday, July 30.