Teamwork key to our success, says skipper Madushanka

“We had a good team commitment to win the Hong Kong cricket sixes title” said skipper Lahiru Madushanka after returning home yesterday. After a lapse of seven years Hong Kong Sixes tournament was conducted this year with the participation of 12 teams.

Sri Lanka first time won the Hong Kong sixes title in 2007 under the leadership of Indika de Saram who is at present member of the National selection committee. In fact credit should go t to he National selection committee this time they selected a well balanced team after considering performances of the domestic tournaments.

This championship is more special as after 17 years we were able to gain the title defeating five time champions Pakistan in great style. We had to play two group matches Oman and Bangladesh at the group stage and back to back victories helped us to enter the quarter final said skipper Lahiru Madushanka.

At the quarter final we defeated Nepal and once again we met Bangladesh at the semi final and defeated them a second time to enter the final with an unbeaten record . We played really well and never underestimated any opponent said Skipper Madushanka, the experienced all rounder who gave fine leadership throughout the tournament.

Actually our bowlers did a really good job throughout the tournament. I know the capabilities of each player and they gave maximum support to gain this success. At the final we lost three wickets early but we had good confidence and Tharindu could do it and he did it really well to get us across the line,” said skipper Madushanka.

Sri Lanka bowlers did excellent support to restrict opponents below 100 in all matches they played except semi final against Bangladesh. Even in the semi final they scored 103 runs and fielding was also exceptional throughout the tournament to restrict opponents. At the final strong Pakistan restricted to 72 in 5.2 overs which put them under pressure.

We really appreciated that the Sri Lankans in Hong Kong gave encouragement to the team and our Manager Samantha Dodanwela also backed the team to get this success and special thanks to Sri Lanka Cricket which provided all facilities for the team added skipper.

Sri Lanka team players were able to win two major awards at the presentation ceremony player of the final won by Dhananjaya Lakshan who made an early breakthrough most of the matches . His in swinger ball most of the time made a big challenge in this tournament and first over he was able to get the wicket. Tharindu Ratnayake an ambidextrous spin bowler was the most successful bowler having highest wickets (8) and he took best figures of the tournament 4 for 33 against Bangladesh at the semi final and finally he was named player of the tournament.

Sri Lanka left hand opener and wicket keeper Sandun Weerakkody was the most successful batsman of the side having 180 runs in five matches with back to back half centuries at quarter final and semi final games. He made a good start with 13 balls 34 at the final in their chasing of 73.

Sri Lanka team received Rs 88 lakh cash award for this Hong Kong Cricket sixes title while SLC also expected to give bonus cash award which has to be approved by the Exco Committee.

Source:Daily News