IT IS RAINING IN THE WINDIES…… Before the WC began, in 150 matches there were only two T20 hundreds. In the last 48 hours, the tally has doubled. Mahela Jayawardene played a fine innings yesterday against the Zimbabweans underlining the fact that T20 is not all about power hitting and smashes.
Have you heard of life turning full cycle. Sanath Jaya who nightmarishly marred the career of some pacers started his batting at low down the order – now he is in the Team; opened by Dilshan and Jayawardene. As wickets fell, one was expecting this swash buckler to come; today he came in at no. 8. Sad…….
Denagamage Proboth Mahela de Silva Jayawardene once captained Lankans for long; has 9120 test runs and 8702 one day runs – 27 + 12 centuries. He is considered not to attacking batsmen, adept in rotating the strike, has played 24 T20s scoring 522 runs.
But yesterday was different. Jaya flowed in the first over itself of Chris Mpofu (try pronouncing it). A cut, six over long off and on drive set the tempo. Took upon Elton Chigumbura, slogged Greame Cremer for six and treated Greg Lamb with disdain. On 35 he could have been gone but the throw missed the mark and earned him a reprieve.
He continued from where he had left against the Kiwis and in the end made a polished ton. Last time it was Dilshan all the way – but he is presently struggling and a man who was almost considered not good enough for T20 is now making waves.
When Zimbabwe had to chase 173, Duckworth Lewis was to the fore due to rain. First it was 104 from 11 but brought to stop abruptly as it rained after 5 when Zimbabwe were 29 for 1 where they should have been 43. Malinga, Mendis, Jayasurya, Randiv all had a bowl.
There was another farcical end in the other match between W Indies and England. England batting first made 191. WI had a target of 60 in 5 overs, won with a ball to spare. Pollard failed to trouble the scorers. Darren Sammy was the player of the match for his 2/22
With regards – S Sampathkumar.
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