In Numbers | New Zealand’s Overall Dominance Overshadows Perera Heroics

Cricketnext Staff | Updated: January 8, 2019, 4:24 PM IST

Sri Lanka are an ODI team in the process of transition. In the recently concluded three-match ODI series against New Zealand, they were dominated by the Kiwis in every department – be it batting, bowling or fielding. And despite possessing players that can turn a match on its head on any given day, they just haven’t been able to click as a team – the statistics prove that.

In all three matches, New Zealand batted first and scored totals of above 300. Just in terms of sheer numbers, Sri Lanka could not cope with the batting might of New Zealand.

In reply to totals of 371, 319 and 364, Sri Lanka managed 326, 298 and 249. While the first of the two run chases represented ODI totals that are not sub-par by any means, it may point towards a deeper problem running within Sri Lanka’s batting ranks – they just do not come together as a unit when it matters.

Only three Sri Lankan batsmen crossed 20 in the first ODI as Kusal Perera scored a century, two crossed 20 in the second with Thisara Perera scoring 140 in just 74 balls, and five batsmen scored below ten during the run chase in the third ODI.

This, however, should not take anything from the New Zealand bowling attack, which bowled tight, disciplined lines in all three matches. Sri Lanka were all out in all three run chases.

Thisara Perera was the standout performer for Sri Lanka during the series. Even though he only took two wickets, he finished as the second highest run-scorer behind Ross Taylor (who is going through a purple patch at the moment). Perera scored 224 runs in three innings at an average of 74.6, at a strike rate of 157.7, hitting 15 fours and 116 sixes.

There were a number of records that Perera set during his knock of 140 in the second ODI, and he now finds himself in some esteemed company.

He is also second in the list of players who have hit the most number of sixes in a three match ODI series.

And finally, a special mention for Ross Taylor, who seems to be in the form of his life in ODIs. Sample these scores, in the last nine ODIs that he has played Taylor has scored – 59, 113, 10, 181, 80, 86*, 54, 90, 137.

Speaking after the match, Sri Lankan captain Lasith Malinga said, “We need to improve our middle order batting before the World Cup. I think our players will learn from their mistakes before the next tournament. Thisara has done a good job but we need to improve our bowling, especially in the last 15 overs. I am enjoying my captaincy, that's the way to go ahead by sharing my ideas with the youngsters.”

For their sake, Sri Lanka will hope they can turn their performances around before the start of the World Cup later this year.