Published: Mar 18, 2018, 10:28 AM (IST)
Edited: Mar 18, 2018, 10:28 AM (IST)
After a highly tense battle between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the virtual semi-final of ongoing Nidahas Trophy 2018 on Friday, emotions were high among the players on the field. Bangladesh were left frustrated with the height of the second bouncer (off the last over); resulting in Mushtafizur Rahman’s run out dismissal. Further more, substitute Nurul Hasan stormed into the scene, and got into a verbal spat with stand-in Sri Lankan skipper Thisara Perera. The scenes were ugly before Mahmudullah’s heroics led to the exit of home team from the competition.
With the controversy yet to die, India take on Bangladesh in the summit clash on Sunday. Not to their surprise, many locals are backing them to get the better of No. 10 ranked Bangladesh. According to a The Daily Observer, most Sri Lankans are dismayed with the behaviour of Bangladesh players from Friday’s win, and will back Rohit Sharma-led India due to both nations’ relations on and off the field.
Sri Lankan cricket’s oldest cheerleader Percy Abeysekera— widely known in the cricketing arena as well — stated, “When it comes to supporting the two sides at Sunday’s final, I will cheer India as we have very close connections with our neighbours. And mutually we have stood together at times of strife. Firstly, I love the game of cricket. As a Sri Lankan, naturally, I would have supported the Sri Lankan cricketers (had they were in the final). In respect of Friday’s unfortunate turn of events, Shakib Al Hassan made a mistake of trying to summon his two batsmen into the pavilion. If the two batsmen compile with his order Bangladesh would have had to forfeit the match. It was not only a bad act of sportsmanship but more importantly a very foolish act” .
“Play fair, cheer the victor, honour the vanquished. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate that I support the game of cricket and appreciate good sportsmanship and fair play. Finally let me wind up with ‘When one great scorer comes to write against your name, he writes not, that you won or lost but how you played the game,” added Percy.
Many other supporters, Gayan Senanayaka, Mohammad Neelam and Sunil Govinna, also echoed Percy’s viewes to back Team India.
India take on Bangladesh in the final at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. So far, India remain unbeaten versus Bangladesh in 7 T20Is.
