Shanaka blames the ‘negativity outside’ for Sri Lanka exit
Sri Lanka became the first team to be eliminated from semi-final contention of the ongoing T20 World Cup after they were beaten by New Zealand in front of the home crowd. Speaking of the loss, Dasun Shanaka said that negative criticism coming from outside is impacting the mental health of the side.
“A lot of times what we see and hear are negative things,” Shanaka said. “No matter how we as cricketers try to stay positive, there is negativity outside. That’s a big loss for Sri Lankan cricket. This is the only sport we have, and I don’t know if we’ll be able to protect it. If you look outside the stadium, you’ll see how many people are standing outside with mics, and people will say stuff without having watched the match.”
Imran Tahir to return to Dolphins for One Day Cup
Imran Tahir is set to return to Dolphins, the side he represented in South Africa domestic circuit from 2010-11 to 2019-20. Tahir will be coming back to the team for their CSA One Day Cup title defence, starting Friday against Warriors in Gqeberha. For the Dolphins, Tahir’s return is important as they are going to be without seven of their mainstays as South Africa will be touring new Zealand for a 5-match T20I series starting March 15.
Dolphins One Day Cup squad
Andile Simelane, Marques Ackerman, Imran Tahir, Prenelan Subrayen (capt), Eathan Bosch, Nqobani Mokoena, Khaya Zondo, Slade van Staden, Hanu Viljoen, Romashan Pillay, Tristan Luus, Jon-Jon Smuts, Ottniel Baartman, Tshepang Dithole
Tim Southee gets emotional before taking on New Zealand
Tim Southee believes England and New Zealand, both have well-balanced sides ahead of their much-awaited face-off in the T20 World Cup. For Southee, it is going to be an emotional take against New Zealand as the bowling coach of England. Speaking of the same, “You always want New Zealand cricket to do well, always following them closely. But now in the role that I’m in, things are slightly different. I’m looking forward to going out there against a good side and some good mates as well.”
He added, “I think we’ve got a very well-balanced side. Having the ability to have guys that if it is seam-friendly or spin-friendly to be able to chop and change, much like the New Zealand side… it’s very handy to have. So I think both sides have got pretty well-balanced line-ups that can cover both pace and seam.”
