My match-winning knock of 83 against Afghanistan in the third ODI is the best innings i have played under pressure at Pallekele, said Man of the Match, Charith Asalanka.
Coming in at number five in ODIs is a new responsibility. I am happy to find success as the middle-man and level the series 1-all. The wicket had uneven bounce and turn to make it more dangerous for the batsmen. Especially, experienced Rashid Khan posed a strong challenge but I played with confidence to obtain victory for my team, added Asalanka the left-hand middle-order batsman who finished his innings with a superb six.
I had a good chance to bat with skipper Dasun Shanaka and build up the innings but the 65-run stand for the seventh wicket with young Dunith Wellalage was exceptional. Dunith and I had a clear-cut plan to seal the win.
I had cramps in my leg but it turned out to be a morale booster. Afghanistan bowlers did really well but we executed our plan smoothly, said Asalanka.
Batting at number five is a very important position as skipper Dasun gave me this responsibility and I had to work hard. I was not among the runs during the last Asia Cup in UAE but at the T20 World Cup, I worked hard to come back strong.
Asalanka is a former Richmondite and was the National Under 19 skipper. He also won the Observer Mobitel School Cricketer award in two successive years.
I like to bat under pressure but never thought of the opponent bowler or the team when played my shots. Batting second at Pallekele is not an easy task but as a team, we did it in great style said Asalanka.
Meanwhile, skipper Dasun Shanaka said winning the third and final ODI against Afghanistan gave a huge boost and this is the result of a good team effort. I lost the toss three in a row but we proved our batting skills in the run chase and I am happy to see this victory enabling us to add more points to reach the qualifying round in the 2023 World Cup.
New Zealand will host a three-match ODI series which will be the team's next venture and we have set our goals to perform more confidently. We can't underestimate this Afghanistan side. They had a lot of experienced players and we met those challenges and adjusted them to our advantage. All the players couldn't perform in the all matches but we have to benefit from all three departments.
However, Young Dunith Wellalage was Sri Lanka's unsung hero from yesterday's game. He played an exceptional knock and his all-round skills ensured his ability to handle the pressure very well. I admire his service to the team. As the skipper, I handled the team very well and my teammates gave maximum support said Dasun.
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