‘That’s the main concern’ – Charith Asalanka admits major point of improvement after thumping loss to WI in series-opener

Charith Asalanka. (Source – Getty Images)

Sri Lanka put in a much more impressive performance in the first T20I of the three-match series against the West Indies as compared to their outings at the T20 World Cup 2024 and the series against India, but still managed to fall short in the end. Having made their way to a 179-run total which felt competitive during the innings break, they were blown apart by a battering display by the Windies’ openers as the visitors clinched the game by five wickets and as many deliveries to spare.

Skipper of the hosts, Charith Asalanka, was quick to credit the opposition’s batters for taking the game away from them. He admitted that bowling 22-year-old batting all-rounder, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, in the powerplay was an experiment from his end. Asalanka also provided an insight into whom he would rather start in the coming games.

“In my point of view, it was more good shots than bad bowling. I should give credit to their batters first of all. But I think we could have done a little better in the powerplay. I’m still experimenting, I just wanted to bowl a few overs from Chamindu [Wickramasinghe] because he’s an all-rounder, and a part-time bowler for me. But it didn’t work for this match. Might start with Maheesh [Theekshana] in the next matches,” stated Asalanka during the post-match press conference.

Also Read: SL vs WI, 1st T20I review: Brandon King, Evin Lewis’ half-centuries help West Indies beat Sri Lanka

We’ll have a chat and do better in the next games: Asalanka

Asalanka was positive in his thoughts regarding his side’s overall display and highlighted the major aspect in which he would want Sri Lanka to improve in the coming games. 

“The plus point is that we are playing good cricket. We have to improve in a few areas, including our powerplay bowling, that is the main concern as a captain. We will have a chat and do better in the next games,” added Asalanka.

Also Read: Sri Lanka vs West Indies Match Preview, 2nd T20I

The hosts conceded 20 more than they scored inside the first six, which made the run-chase easier for the West Indian batters for obvious reasons. Maheesh Theekshana did claim the wicket of Rovman Powell, but it was not enough as the West Indies took the cake on Sunday.