Sri Lankan team missed a golden chance to win 3rd test in pallekale against Pakistan today.Sri Lanka were given a target of 270 in 71 overs in placid track but opted to play safe and satisfied with a draw disappointing many fans who expected powerful Sri Lankan batting line up to chase down the target.Sri Lanka were given the target of 270 after inspired declaration by Misbah half an hour before the lunch.Sri Lanka started their 2nd innings with lot of promise as their openers Chandimal and Paranavithan started the chase aggressively. But after dismissal of Chandimal Sri Lanka shut the door and played safe. It is unfortunate that after Mahelas comment before the last game saying he dont believe in draws instrumented in go slow and play safe approach scoring 12 in 43 balls.
when asked why they did not go for the runs Mahela said;
"I think we have won the series, right? We fought in tough situations, guys performed under pressure. When we came into the last hour, we realized it was not within our reach as we had lost a couple of wickets. Chandimal's wicket was very crucial, we shut shop after that, but obviously till then, the intent was to win the match. It was a very hard series for us. Given the kind of armoury Pakistan have, they should be ranked higher in the ICC rankings.
This comment raise lot of eye brows as he suggested about Chandimals wicket was crucial and critics asked is it only up to the youngsters to win matches for Sri Lanka and so called seniors only play for them selves and their records.It is also sad Chandimal got out trying to loft Chandimal and for the course of the team and seniors worrying about their statistics and records and putting victory aside.Lot of people question was why not sent power hitters Mathews and Perera before Samaraweera and held him back if others failed, to steady the innings.Lot of People think Mahela should walk the talk other wise his stamina and reputation as a master leader of the team wouldn't remain for long.
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