Sri Lanka are walking on a narrow ledge in Rawalpindi, under the pump after being rolled over by Zimbabwe in their opening outing of the tri-nation series. Two weeks in Pakistan and not a single win to show for it — swept aside in the ODIs and now stumbling in the shortest format.
The scoreboard looks like a horror movie, yes, but the real sting is that the first two ODIs were theirs for the taking. Sri Lanka were cruising, only to throw it away with rash shots and soft dismissals when just a bit more application would have carried them over the line.
It’s a bitter pill because so much effort went into plugging the leaks after missing the Champions Trophy bus. Not everything has come crashing back to square one, but the cold reality is this: Sri Lanka have slipped to fifth in the ODI rankings and sixth-placed South Africa are breathing down their neck.
The T20 clash against Zimbabwe was a catastrophe from ball one. The bowling veered all over the shop, lacking discipline and the batters showed no purpose failing to even get to three figures.
And then came the Bhanuka Rajapaksa circus, a comedy of errors that cost Sri Lanka dearly. First, the calamitous run-out of Kusal Mendis. Then another near-disaster with Dasun Shanaka. And finally, Rajapaksa, running out of ideas, steam and footwork, charged down the track and was cleaned up to end a forgettable show.
The management know exactly what Rajapaksa brings — and what he doesn’t. Yes, he can win you matches in the blink of an eye. Yes, he remains one of the fiercest strikers of a cricket ball in the island. But consistency remains his Achilles heel. And batting him at number four? That doesn’t make any sense. He’s better suited at six, where carnage, not construction, is required.
There are, however, fresh faces waiting in the wings. Pavan Rathnayake has carried drinks more often than he has carried a bat on this tour and deserves a look-in. His domestic T20 numbers won’t make statisticians dance, but numbers alone don’t measure hunger, potential or the fire of tomorrow.
Meanwhile, in Qatar, the ‘A’ team served timely reminders. Sahan Arachchige was as solid as a seasoned middle order batter, while Vishen Halambage played with refreshing swagger in the Power Play — a breath of fresh air who backed himself to take on the quicks.
Milan Rathnayake produced wickets, runs and razor-sharp fielding. He’s been in and out since the England tour, but performances like these underline why he deserves a long rope. And with the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, his skill-set could become gold dust.
Spinner Traveen Mathew and seamer Garuka Sanketh also caught the eye, reinforcing the point that Sri Lanka’s talent cupboard is far from bare. And there’s Dunith Wellalage — calm, crafty, clever — who led admirably, chipped in with the bat and foxed batters with the ball. The sooner he becomes a permanent part of the senior T20 squad, the better Sri Lanka will sleep.
It’s a pity Sri Lanka didn’t reach the final. Chasing 153 against Pakistan ‘A’, they were cruising at 74-2 in eight overs. But the moment left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Muqeem was introduced, the wheels came off spectacularly. Playing left-arm wrist spin remains Sri Lanka’s age-old nemesis — a ghost that continues to haunt their dressing room.
