The Sri Lankan team after a very underwhelming performance against the Kiwis need to introspect their game. The Dimuth Karunaratne led side was put in to bat after Williamson opted to field first. The side crumbled at a mere 136 in the 30th over.
Matt Henry (3/29) and Lockie Ferguson (3/22) were among the wickets. With the bat, Munro (58*) and Guptill (73*) finished off the proceedings scoring 137 in 16.1 overs.
Lankans were absolutely outclassed in all departments of the game. Looking back if you ask any positives, we can arguably say none. But in reality, there was one.
Dimuth Karunaratne the Lankan captain was a big positive. He scored a fighting 52*(84). This knock makes Dimuth Karunaratne only the second player to carry his bat through in World Cup history. Believe it or not, in 44 years of World Cup history only two people have carried their bat through the innings.
Coincidently the first man to do it also did it in England in 1999 World Cup. His name is Ridley Jacobs, the West Indian batsman. On 30th May 1999 West Indies were playing against Australia. Batting first West Indies were bundled out for 110 in 46.4 overs where Ridley Jacobs scored a sluggish 49*(142)! Australia ended up winning that match by 6 wickets with 54 balls remaining.
Coming back to this World Cup, Sri Lanka really need to pull up their socks and come back stronger. They play an in-form Australia side at Cardiff on Tuesday. With the skipper Karunaratne leading from the front, the Sri Lankan side is expected to come back hard in the next game.
