Sri Lanka should seriously consider fifth bowler option

Have failed to defend totals, resulting in losses

- Sa'adi Thawfeeq

Sri Lanka will have to seriously reconsider their fifth bowler option following the four-wicket defeat they suffered at the hands of Bangladesh in the first Asia Cup Super Four game, played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Their strategy of playing a 7-4 combination paid off well in Zimbabwe, where they won the T20I series 2-1, and in the first three group matches of the Asia Cup. Of the five out of six occasions they have won, Sri Lanka chased down the runs, but on two occasions — against Zimbabwe in the second T201 and against Bangladesh in the Super Four - Sri Lanka lost.

‘This is an area of concern, as Sri Lanka have shown they are unable to successfully defend totals. The main problem lies with the fifth bowling option, where Sri Lanka are trying to cover up the four overs with part-time bowlers. It may have worked when they put the opposition into bat or when the opposition decided to bat first. But when defending, they have been poor.