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A
scintillating innings from the master blaster
That
entire buzz about the reinvention of Indian Cricket died a slow
death as the so-called Indian tigers were reduced to look like
rabbits in front of the Sri Lankan lions. In the process the
Indian Team was bundled out for 54 and were defeated by 245
runs. From the beginning, Sri Lanka adopted a very
aggressive approach. Both Kalu and Jayasuriya were severe on all
the bowlers. Their approach was positive and their attitude was
commendable. Even though Kalu did not stay on for too long but
their partnership set the tone for better things to come. Even
though the Indian team managed to take wickets at regular interval
but they could never contain the might and power of Jayasuriya. He
was simply devastating. His shot selection was impeccable. It just
went on to prove the whole world why he is such a dangerous
player. He did not spare any bowler and never slowed down his run
rate. He single handedly took the match away from India.
Jayasuriya
has been such a poignant force for the Sri Lankan team. Inspite of
the additional responsibility of captaincy has not affected his
game. He did go through a lean patch some months ago but he has
found his touch back and boy how he has got it back. He has got so
much power in his forearms as he is the only batsman in the World
who consistently hits sixes over the cover boundaries, one of the
most difficult shots to play in Cricket. His temperament is worth
mentioning, as tough situations don’t fluster him. He has been
such a positive influence on his side even as the captain. His
innings against India was his best ever and it could not have come
at a better time. Sri Lanka had played well all throughout the
tournament and a win in the finals would have been a perfect icing
on the cake. He completely demolished the Indian attack. It was a
perfect mix of power and class. Even though he missed the World
record by just five runs but it was a marvel to watch. Every
spectator on the ground got his money’s worth as he was witness
to one of the most amazing innings. He left the Indian team high
and dry and put his name in the history books. Hats off to him for
displaying such amazing skill. It was a truly amazing innings.
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A Brilliant
Entertainer
He
is a dynamite it himself. Probably one of the strongest cricketers
in the game he is also a thinking captain. Under his captaincy
Sri-Lanka has found their winning mantra and they have combined
well. On their trip to Australia in 1995 he found his real form
and did not look back after that. One of the biggest reasons for
Sri-Lanka lifting the 96 World Cup, Jayasuriya has broken records
after records and has risen to the top. He is a good bowler as
well and the best man to lead the team as he always sets an
example for others. He has made runs in both versions of the game
and he is the highest wicket taker for Sri-Lanka. A few months ago
he went through a lean patch but he is back in form at the right
time and this is bad news for other teams because once he gets
going than there is no stopping. He just goes on and on hitting
every bowler to the fence with such power that fielders seldom try
putting their hand in between. Totally non-controversial he Sanath
is a well-respected cricketer and he is a sight to watch when in
full flow. .
He
is a very important part of World Cricket as it was his
performance in the World Cup, which brought so much excitement to
this game and the game has never been the same again.
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