Sri Lanka Expected Turning Track, Not Seaming, Says Sachithra Senanayake
On a pitch with lot of grass, Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal won the toss and put India into bat. Lankan pace trio of Kasun Rajitha, Dasun Shanaka and Dushmantha Chameera created havoc as the hosts were bowled out for a paltry 101 in 18.5 overs.
The pitch prepared for the first Twenty20 international against India in Pune reminded Sri Lanka spinner Sachithra Senanayake of the ones normally seen in Australia and he said his team was surprised that a seaming track was laid out instead of a spinning one. (India go Down To Sri Lanka in First Twenty20)
India's winning sequence in T20s came to an embarrassing end after a depleted Sri Lanka pulled off an upset five-wicket victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. (Dhoni Says Pune's Pitch Was More English Than Indian)
"Yes, it was like Australia. We always expect a turning wicket, but it was seaming and bouncing wicket," said Senanayake. (MCA to Earn Rs 7 crore For Hosting India-Sri Lanka Game)
India were dismissed for 101 in 18.5 overs by the inexperienced Lankan pace trio of debutant Kasun Rajitha (3 for 23), Dasun Shanaka (3 for 16) and Dushmantha Chameera (2 for 14).
Senanayake praised the team's young pacers and said they utilised the track laid out for the game.
"Actually (I am) a bit surprised (by their display). They are youngsters and they did a really great job in the fast lane. From the first over our bowlers bowled lot of bouncers. The wicket was a seaming wicket. They took that opportunity as well. That's great and that's why we won the match," said Senanayake.
"I could say our bowlers did a great job, especially the fast bowlers with their line and length. We had a great domestic series and they performed well in that series. They came into this series on the back of that performance," he added.
The off-spinner, who took one for 18 in his 3 overs to play his part in the win, was surprised at the Indian batsmen's poor display.
"They are ranked No. 1 now, so we expected more. With their side it's almost a World Cup team and we are missing a lot of senior players," he explained.
"140-145 would have been a good target to set," said the Lankan bowler after his team had chased down India's 101 total in 18 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-game series.