Sri Lanka through to tri-series final after routing England out

Sri Lanka visually impaired team tour of India 2018

259

Sri Lanka visually impaired team defeated the England visually impaired team by 10 wickets to book a place in the tri-series final against the Indian visually impaired team.

Playing two back to back matches within the last two days, one would have wondered whether the fitness levels of the Sri Lankan visually impaired team would suffer in their 3rd game in a row. To the surprise of many the gutsy Lankan outfit showcased a memorable performance in all departments today that even though they may be impaired by vision, 11 players sons of mother Lanka’s determination to win and make the island nation proud was more important.

The Sri Lankans have been quite confident in their approach in the tri series, whether it be chasing a target or setting one. After winning the toss once again skipper Priyantha Kumara sought to bowl first. Man of the match from yesterday’s encounter, M Dean once again proved his exceptional batting technique for the English. Run outs have been such a huge part of the series as Dean fell short of his crease thanks to some quick glove work by Chandana Deshapriya.

Read More: India halt Sri Lanka’s tri series dominance in a nail biting finish

The Lankan bowlers’ tired legs were stretched out more as they seemed to be a tad bit expensive. An important 63 run 3rd wicket partnership attested to be England’s match saver with P Blueitt and L Sugg scoring 50 and 49 before Dinesh Maduwantha ran Blueitt out. Shortly afterwards Silva broke through the defence of Sugg as England’s batting looked to be in a spot of bother. The Lankan fielding only got better from then on as they dismissed two other English batsmen running between the wickets. The England visually impaired team subsequently reached nominal score of 179 in 20 overs.

Read More: Sri Lanka inch closer to tri-series final

Chasing a target of 180 the Lankan opening pair of Chandana Deshapriya and K Silva made it look like a piece of cake as the pair took Sri Lanka across the line in the 16th over. K Silva was Sri Lanka’s more aggressive batsmen smashing a 50 ball 100 which included ten fours. Chandana Deshapriya’s supportive role consisted of seven fours as he was unbeaten with Silva at 66 and 104 respectively.

K Silva was named man of the match for his unbeaten knock of 104. Sri Lanka will play India in the tri series final tomorrow.

Be sure to log onto the link below at 10:00AM local time.

Brief Scores

England 179/7 (20 overs) – P Blueitt 54, L Sugg 49, E Hossell 18*, K Silva 1/8, Pathum Saman Kumara 1/20

Sri Lanka 181/0 – K Silva 104*, Chandana Deshapriya 66*