Sri Lankans expected a turning track, says Senanayake

Pune, Feb 10: The wicket prepared for the first T20 international against India here 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.

1st T20I report

"Yes, it was like Australia. We always expect a turning wicket, but it was seaming and bouncing wicket," Senanayake said at the post-match press conference after his side's five-wicket victory last night (February 9).

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 fast men and said they utilised the track laid out for the game at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

"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 1 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 rubber.

PTI