Sri Lanka’s bad patch is coming to an end, says Avishka Fernando
Sri Lanka opener Avishka Fernando believes that the Sri Lankan boys are getting over their lean patch, crediting it to their team effort. Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets to clinch the three-match ODI series with one game to spare, with Fernando scoring a quickfire 82 at the top.
Sri Lanka did not have a good start to the World Cup. And despite an inspirational bowling performance that won them the match against England, things did not spark to life even after that. However, with a couple of wins over Bangladesh, a team that has done well against them in the recent past, the sun is slowly beginning to shine on them.
"The team has gone through a bad patch, but now we think it's coming to an end. The team is together, and we're looking to support Dimuth 'aiya'. And it's because we all worked together that we were able to be successful," Fernando was reported saying by Cricbuzz.
Set a par score of 239 to win the second game, and thereby the series, the Lankan boys romped home in style with seven wickets and more than five overs to spare. The star man, Fernando, blasted a 75-ball 82 at the top, earning him the man of the match award. However, the 21-year-old is disappointed that he could not get to the three-figure mark after playing so well.
"Yes it's quite disappointing. To have played so well and missing out a hundred, chances like that don't come too often. Next time if I get in a position like that I'll look to make it count. There are periods where batsmen score runs, and at other times they can go through a dry spell or bad patch. During those periods when everything is going right, it's important for a batsman to capitalise with big scores. So my goal is to score big scores for my team whenever I can," he said.
Meanwhile, his father, who was in the stands watching, had to be rushed to the hospital as his sugar levels dropped. But, it was good news that followed.
"Yes, I know that that happened when I was batting, but I only found out my father was admitted after I got out. But now it's not as bad as it was, he's in a better condition. That's what I heard over the phone," Fernando added.