Nu ball sets up Sri Lanka

Published on Saturday 1 August 2009 19:54

SRI Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara praised his players for their commitment during yesterday's six-wicket home win over Pakistan in the second one-day international in Dambulla.

Sri Lanka's new-ball bowler Nuwan Kulasekara gave his side a perfect start with a wicket off his very first delivery, while left-arm quick Thilan Thushara sparked a Pakistan collapse by claiming three top-order wickets.

Wily off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan then chipped in with a couple of wickets, and although Pakistan's tail wagged, the visitors were skittled out for 168.

Sri Lanka's reply began steadily but the fall of three wickets in quick succession left them reeling at 44 for three.

However, Chamara Kapugedera returned to form with an unbeaten 67 and steadied nerves through a 95-run unbroken fifth-wicket stand with Thilan Samaraweera (38no).

While Sri Lanka eventually coasted to victory, Sangakkara acknowledged it had not been achieved without the odd twinge of nerves.

"It wasn't quite as smooth as we hoped it would be," Sangakkara said.

"All credit again to the bowlers, they did a wonderful job with the new ball and did exactly what we wanted them to do on a fresh wicket.

"I thought our opening batsmen's attitude today was excellent. They were very positive, especially against the opening bowlers of the Pakistan team.

"And a really mature knock from Kapugedera sealed the deal for us.

"It just goes to show that if we work hard on our attitudes and keep working with maturity and positive intent, I think we can go a long way."

Kapugedera's knock earned him the man of the match award, an accolade which will be warmly welcomed by the 22-year-old batsman who has struggled for form on the international stage.

He had previously managed just five half-centuries in 61 matches prior to this game, a statistic that led to him being dropped for the series in Pakistan in February.

Sangakkara has faith in Kapugedera, however, and was delighted with his efforts yesterday.

"I think Kapugedera is a very special player," he said.

"He's had a few good years and some bad ones, but he is one player if we keep him going, give him the opportunities and as long as he works hard, is disciplined and shows the commitment which we want him to show, I think he can do a lot for Sri Lankan cricket."

Pakistan captain Younus Khan said his team had let a winnable game slip from their grasp.

"Again we lacked a partnership and made a lot of basic mistakes," he said.

"We had our chances in this game, but again we let them slip through. I think it's a lack of effort and application."