Journalism of Courage
Sri Lanka started the game as hot favourites and were expected to seal the game in convincing fashion. The game, however, didn't unfold in that manner as qualifiers UAE pushed tested the Asian giants in the second game of the Asia Cup 2016 on Thursday. Put into bat first, Sri Lanka were off to a flying start with both Dilshan and Chandimal looking in good touch. (AP)
Dilshan struggled after the early promise but Chandimal, opening the innings for the first time, was a class apart. He scored his 2nd T20I fifty and gave his side a start to capitalise on. (Source: AP)
After the start, however, Sri Lanka lost their way and struggled in the middle overs. Wickets kept tumbling and UAE skipper Amjad picked most of them (three) to keep Sri Lanka to a modest 129-run total. (Source: AP)
With not many runs on the board, it was on the experienced attack, led by Lasith Malinga, to make early inroads. The skipper didn't disappoint as he picked two wickets in his very first over. (Source: AP)
Nuwan Kulasekara didn't release any pressure from the other end and chipped in with three wickets to return with figures of 3/10. (Source: AP)
Swapnil Patil, for his knock of 37, was the only positive for UAE as others struggled. None of the batsmen applied themselves in the middle and got out playing rash shots. (Source: AP)
Sri Lanka did manage to get their campaign of to a winning start but it wasn't convincing. There's work to do in the batting department, which would be tested against the likes of India and Pakistan. (Source: AP)
