In the quarterfinal against England, Sri Lanka fielded in the manner as their Asian counterparts, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh do. It was miserable to see regular lapses on the field and three catches being dropped off a single batsman.
Sri Lanka has usually been a good fielding side. Since they had Dav Whatmore as their coach, fielding was laid great emphasis on. In the current team, there are the likes of Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakratne Dilshan and Muttiah Muralitharan who are good fielders due to Whatmore’s contribution. And the trend has passed on to the other players as well. Yet, to see buttery fingers in a knockout match of a World Cup is not a good sign for a team which will be playing a semifinal at home in two days’ time.
A World Champion team has always been an excellent fielding side because it is the fielding which creates the difference between the good and the best. Sri Lanka were fortunate to win by 10 wickets the other night, thanks to their batting. But it is not going to work every time and so if they do not improve on it, that could give New Zealand some hope of coming in the World Cup final for the first time in history.
Sri Lanka has usually been a good fielding side. Since they had Dav Whatmore as their coach, fielding was laid great emphasis on. In the current team, there are the likes of Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakratne Dilshan and Muttiah Muralitharan who are good fielders due to Whatmore’s contribution. And the trend has passed on to the other players as well. Yet, to see buttery fingers in a knockout match of a World Cup is not a good sign for a team which will be playing a semifinal at home in two days’ time.
A World Champion team has always been an excellent fielding side because it is the fielding which creates the difference between the good and the best. Sri Lanka were fortunate to win by 10 wickets the other night, thanks to their batting. But it is not going to work every time and so if they do not improve on it, that could give New Zealand some hope of coming in the World Cup final for the first time in history.
