Post by : Rameen Ariff

Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya has praised India’s young opener Abhishek Sharma for his fearless and natural style of batting, which has become a key factor in India’s success during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. Sharma, 25, has impressed cricket fans and analysts alike by scoring three consecutive half-centuries in the tournament: 74 against Pakistan, 75 against Bangladesh, and 61 against Sri Lanka. Jayasuriya emphasized that the Indian team management deserves credit for allowing Sharma to play his natural game, giving him the confidence and freedom to express himself at the crease.

In Friday’s Super Over thriller against Sri Lanka, India emerged victorious after both teams scored 202 runs in their 20 overs. Jayasuriya highlighted that Arshdeep Singh, India’s left-arm pacer, played a crucial role in the Super Over win, delivering precise and impactful bowling under pressure. Despite the defeat, the Sri Lankan batting line-up showed moments of brilliance, particularly the second-wicket partnership between Pathum Nissanka, who scored a commanding 107, and Kusal Perera, who contributed a quick 58 off 32 balls. Their 127-run stand in 70 balls shifted the momentum in Sri Lanka’s favor during the chase, although the team ultimately fell short.

Jayasuriya explained that part of Sharma’s success is his ability to pace his innings intelligently. He adjusts his game depending on the situation—slowing down when needed or accelerating after the powerplay. This flexibility allows him to build consistent scores and maintain control over the innings. The coach also acknowledged that India’s coaching staff’s support and trust have enabled Sharma to unleash his batting potential and play freely at the top of the order.

Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s overall performance, Jayasuriya noted that the team’s losses were partly due to slow adaptation to changing pitch conditions. He cited examples from the Abu Dhabi tournament, where the first-round pitches had pace and bounce, while the second-round wickets required quick adjustment—something the team struggled with. He highlighted that in T20 cricket, the ability to quickly assess conditions and execute plans accordingly is essential. Matches like the one against Bangladesh in the Super Fours, where Sri Lanka scored 168 but could not defend it effectively, illustrate the importance of adapting rapidly to conditions.

Jayasuriya expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance despite not reaching the final. He said the Sri Lankan squad possesses strong batting and bowling talent and has the potential to perform better in future tournaments. According to him, consistent execution of strategies based on opposition and pitch conditions will be crucial for the team’s success. The coach also appreciated the commitment of players like Pathum Nissanka, who played through minor fitness issues, and Kusal Perera, who made calculated risks to accelerate scoring when needed.

The Sri Lankan legend praised India for encouraging young talents like Abhishek Sharma to play their natural game, highlighted the thrilling Super Over victory, and reflected on the importance of adaptability and strategic execution in T20 cricket. He concluded that Sri Lanka has the skills and potential to achieve success in upcoming competitions if they continue to learn from their experiences.

#Sports News