Published: Jun 17, 2016, 06:19 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 17, 2016, 06:40 PM (IST)
Sri Lanka will face Ireland in the 2nd One-Day International (ODI) in what is a 2-match series. After comfortably winning the first ODI by 76 runs, through the Duckworth-Lewis (D/L) method, Sri Lanka registered a much-needed win after their 2-0 Test series loss to England. A combined effort from the batting as well as the bowling department has led them to a 1-0 lead in the series. Although, with the 5-match ODI series against England just round the corner and another ODI against Ireland to play, Sri Lanka should think of giving all-rounder Farveez Maharoof, who has been named in the 15-man squad after a gap of 4 years, a chance to perform and see how he goes. ALSO READ: Ireland vs Sri Lanka 2016, 2nd ODI at Dublin, Predictions and Preview: Visitors aim for series win
Maharoof’s comeback in the provisional 15-man squad has been backed by two reasons. The first of them being his performances in the domestic circuit. He was the leading wicket-taker in Sri Lanka’s List A competition, the Premier Limited Over Tournament, in 2015-16 with a tally of 16 wickets in just five matches and that too at an average of 6.31. He also scored 77 runs for Nondescripts Cricket Club in the same competition. ALSO READ: Sri Lanka announce ODI squad for England; Farveez Maharoof receives call-up
The second reason, for his selection could well have been Thisara Perera’s dip in form which also led to his non-selection in the squad for England and he was instead named in the Sri Lanka A squad for the tour. With Dasun Shanaka already in the squad as an all-rounder, Perera would have been the second choice, but he was not picked. And the selectors chose Maharoof ahead of him. ALSO READ: Sri Lanka vs Ireland, 2016: Dasun Shanaka enters record books with 5 for 43 on debut
With Shanaka proving his worth in the first ODI by scalping 5 wickets and scoring a quick-fire 42 off 19 balls that too on debut, his place in the side was cemented. But, Sri Lanka can take a decision of bringing in Maharoof, in place of Dhananjaya de Silva or Seekkuge Prasanna if they wish to give him a go.
However, what is important for Sri Lanka as of now, is to find the correct permutations and combination for the ODIs against England and then to show faith in them. Nonetheless, Maharoof’s records of 4,404 runs and 133 wickets in 104 ODIs certainly proves his experience and value.
(Karan Dewan, a reporter with CricketCountry, loves following and playing sports. He is a Team India fan and loves winning. Follow him on his twitter handle @karan13dewan)
