It was in 2018 that Bangladesh’s ‘Naagin’ dance, which they performed after beating Sri Lanka in the final league game of the Nidahas Trophy at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium and came back to haunt them.
Then, Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik’s last-ball six helped India pull off an incredible chase in the title decider versus the Tigers. Four years hence, the now-infamous dance shows no signs of expiry, as Sri Lanka wrote a similar chapter with a thrilling two-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the Asia Cup Group B match in Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Shortly after the win, TV cameras captured a charged-up Chamika Karunaratne coming up with the ‘Naagin’ dance to mock Bangladesh.
Chamika Karunaratne proved his power while he took two important wickets and when he was batting scored 16 runs to get closer to the target.
“My part is very crucial and coming as a late batsman, I put in my full effort to collect runs. I knew this is a very important position and my role was to get runs as soon as possible. I knew this is a very hard time and pressure build-up at any game as a low-order batter. We had a plan to win a game and we planned very well. We wanted to maintain a good run rate from the beginning and as a middle order batter our part was very vital at this stage”, said Chamika aka “Unanduwa”.
Chamika’s college mate Bhanuka Rajapaksa the dashing stroke maker also is very keen to collect runs and his main duty is to get runs quickly to maintain a good run rate.
“This game against Bangladesh was very important. We won the matches in the past but this Bangladesh game was special”, said Bhanuka Rajapaksa after the thrilling victory in Dubai.
“We had a plan and that worked out well. Actually, after one year we played cricket in UAE. Skipper Dasun Shanaka, Wanidu Hasaranga, and I had more experience with playing cricket in UAE. In Sri Lanka, we also scored 170-190 runs and in this game, we had to chase 183 to jump the most important hurdle to enter the Super Four stage which will commence today against Afghanistan at Sharjah. We had the confidence to reach 183 runs target and especially the way Kusal Mendis and skipper Dasun Shanaka played well under pressure, it was easy for the others. But this uncertain game we lost a few early wickets but our batters like Chamika’, an even the bowlers like Maheesh Theekshana and not to forget debutant Asitha Fernando really impressed with the bat to reach the target with 4 balls to spare. I think with this Bangladesh win our players build up good confidence and that is more important to go forward. The day who performed well can win the match, said Bhanuka Rajapaksa. “We have to appreciate our head coach Chris Silverwood who always gives free hand to bat. He is very close with players and former coach Mickey Arthur laid a good foundation to come forward and do an excellent job.”
“The way we played in this game we can be satisfied especially Kusal Mendis and Dasun Shanaka came back with runs and it was very important for the forthcoming T20 World Cup. We knew our key fast bowling unit Dushmantha Chameera’, Binura Fernando, and Kasun Rajitha was injured and missed this series. We are expect their return to the team. The present young fast bowlers have a good chance of exposure while this tournament was a good eye opener for all “, said Rajapaksa.
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