Sri Lanka plans bigger comeback despite minor setback

Following Sri Lanka’s stunning last-ball win over Australia during the second T20 match on Sunday at Geelong’s Kardinia Park, the team despite a few setbacks will return to clinch the trophy, in what hopes to be a whitewash of the series in Australia.

5-0 is Sri Lanka’s win-loss record in T20s in Australia to-date. It is the second best record in a country without losing a game. Australia is the only country where Sri Lanka hasn’t lost a T20, and they are the only team unbeaten in Australia.

“The team has performed very well during the last two T20 matches in Australia and are preparing well for the third. Despite the fact that Niroshan Dickwella will not be playing the third match for having reportedly violated the ICC code of conduct, the performance of the team will be unhindered and they will continue to do their best,” said Ashley de Silva, CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket.

The suspension will be a set back to the young lad who hauled Sri Lanka to victory in South Africa when he spoiled AB de Villiers comeback by snatching the T20 series, which also is Sri Lanka’s first claim to silverware in South Africa. It was during this match that Niroshan Dickwella scored his career best at 68.

However Dickwella and South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada were fined 50 per cent of their match fees for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the fourth One-Day International in Cape Town. In addition to the fines, three demerit points were added to both Dickwella and Rabada’s disciplinary records.

Pursuant to Article 7.6 of the Code, when Dickwella reaches four or more demerit points within a 24- month period, it will be converted into suspension points and will be banned. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20s, whatever comes first for the player.

It is unfortunate that Dickwella will miss the next match however, the Kusal Mendis will keep wickets.