Five-star Malinga too hot for Scots

Fast-bowler fires Sri Lanka to 183-run victory, half-centuries from openers assist ODI rout.

LONDON:

Sri Lanka fast-bowler Lasith Malinga ensured the islanders tour of Britain ended on a winning note as he took five wickets in a 183-run One-Day International (ODI) rout of Scotland.

Sri Lanka made 284 for seven, featuring fifties from openers Mahela Jayawardene (64) and Dimuth Karunaratne (60). They then saw Malinga, one of the most difficult bowlers in world cricket to face on account of his round-arm, ‘slingshot’ style, take five for 30 as Scotland were shot out for 101.

Malinga, who has retired from Test cricket, earlier made a rapid unbeaten 32 off 15 balls with two sixes but it was his bowling that did the damage.

“He is world class and unfortunately we came up against him at his best and didn’t have an answer,” said Scotland captain Gordon Drummond. “I think it’s the uniqueness of how he delivers the ball. We knew he was going to be difficult to face but knowing it and actually doing something about it is different things.

“In particular, his slower ball is very awkward and difficult to read,” said the Scotland coach.

“It is about 30 mph slower, so it’s a an extremely good delivery to have in your repertoire.

“But it’s unbelievable control he has got. He is not just swinging it, he actually has control and precision, and that’s why he is so good,” he added.





Published in The Express Tribune, July 15^th, 2011.