SL vs IND 2024: We must really improve our batting – Charith Asalanka after loss in 2nd T20I

Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka was disappointed with the batting display after his team’s seven-wicket loss (DLS method) against India at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele on Sunday. The hosts were 130-2 after 15 overs but once again could not finish their innings on a high despite wickets in hand.

The home team could only manage 31 runs in the last five overs and lost seven wickets to veer off the track. Thus, Sri Lanka posted 161-9 after they were put into bat by Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav.

Similarly, Sri Lanka had lost the last nine wickets for only 30 runs in the opening T20I of the series on Saturday. The middle order has failed to deliver in both the games and ergo, they find themselves trailing by 2-0 in a three-match series.

Asalanka admitted they were short by 15-20 runs and the batting led to their downfall. Kusal Perera scored 53 runs off 34 balls but after his dismissal, the hosts could not get any impetus in their batting innings.

Charith Asalanka said in the post-match presentation, “I am really disappointed with the way we batted at the death and about our middle order and lower middle order including me. We must really improve in our batting. On this pitch, when the ball gets older, it gets really hard to bat.”

He added, “As professional cricketers, we have to do well. We were behind by 15-18 runs. Unfortunately weather also played something, we can’t control that. It’s easy when it comes to an 8-over game with a wet outfield.”

On the other hand, India was able to chase down the DLS target of 78 runs comprehensively as they won with nine balls to spare. Jaiswal scored a quickfire knock of 30 runs off just 15 balls whereas SKY smashed 26 off just 12 balls. Hardik Pandya added the finishing touches, scoring 22 off nine balls.

The third and final T20I of the series will be played at the same venue on Tuesday.