Windies deserved Twenty20 Trophy

Leaving the ground after Sri Lanka lost the Twenty20 World Cup final to West Indies by 36 runs, the question on every Lankan cricket fan’s lips was: What went wrong that lost us the final?

Before going on to find answers for that question, it was refreshing to see former President of Women’s cricket and vice president of SLC Gwen Heart after a long time stepping out of the stadium after watching the final.

For once we would venture to act the cricketing coroner and perform a post mortem, confident that our findings will be accepted and to the satisfaction of the millions of cricket fans who were disappointed and were wailing after the defeat.

It was the consensus before the game that the Captain winning the toss would have the early advantage. So that was the first cause of the defeat. Then Marlon Samuels was dropped when he was on 20 and the score 33 for 2 by Nuwan Kulasekera off leg spinner Jeevan Mendis. He went on to make 78.

Then Lasith Malinga conceding 54 runs in 4 overs, Tillakeratne Dilshan being bowled by Ravi Rampaul not offering a stroke and finally Captain Mahela Jayawardene playing the pre-meditated reverse stroke when the Windies had placed two fielders to take the likely ensuing catch off that shot.

Wonderful effort

While those could be the findings for Sri Lanka’s defeat, one cannot take away the wonderful effort by the cricketers from the Caribbean who played from out of their skins to defend their total of 137 for 4 in 20 overs and emerge victorious.

While it was Ecstasy for the Windies, it was Agony for the Sri Lankans. The Windies nevertheless were deserved winners having been in the cricketing wilderness for long. Their last success in an ICC tournament in 2004 where they fought back gallantly to beat England in the Champions Trophy final under Brian Lara.

But what was admirable in both teams was the manner in which they took the result. While the West Indians celebrated performing their now famous dance the gangan, the Sri Lankans were humble and determined in defeat.

The dismissing of big hitting Chris Gayle was important for Sri Lanka in their push for victory. They had him manacled and clueless and his early dismissal was just what the doctor ordered.

Brutal assault

But no one bargained for Samuel’s brutal assault, especially on the hapless Lasith Malinga. He just took Malinga by the scruff of his neck, wrung it and set it rocketing to stands with tremendous power. His sixes was a treat to watch especially the one that sailed over to a distance of 108 meters – the longest six of the tournament.

When in the Caribbean with the Sri Lankan team and in conversation with famed journalist and Commentator Tony Cozier, he told me to watch the batting artistry of Marlon Samuels.

But unfortunately Samuels went out of the game for two years. He has now come back with a vengeance, proving what Cozier told me and is now batting at his peak. The timing and the power behind his sixes were amazing.

As for the Sri Lankans, they need not be disappointed. They cannot be faulted. They did their best, but the best was not good enough on that Sunday night because the Windies were the superior team.

Big disappointment

It was a big disappointment for the cricket crazy fans. Every fan was praying for a Sri Lankan victory. But the cricketing gods had destined for a West Indian victory and that is how it ended. But the Lankan fans also appreciated the Windies victory because they proved wonderful ambassadors and top class entertainers.

The curtain finally came down on the International Cricket Council conducted and organized 2012 Twenty20 World Cup tournament at three venues – Hambantota, Pellekele and Colombo. Our congratulations to the International Cricket Council and to Sri Lanka Cricket for a well executed tournament that captured the attention of cricket fans the world over.

Bit of apprehension

When the tournament was called ‘PLAY’, there was a bit of apprehension whether the rain gods would allow the games to proceed unhindered and successfully.

Other than for one game that was reduced to a ridiculous seven overs a side game between Sri Lanka and South Africa in Hambantota and another in Colombo, the weather played fair and the weather gods were merciful.

The weather in Pallekele which stadium was conceived by former Sports Minister Lakshman Kiriella and given birth to by the D.S.de Silva administration, stayed the best with not a drop of rain falling. The tournament was a fine tourist attraction. It was heartening to note that there were cricket fans from almost all of the participating countries which augurs well for the game and as a tourist promotion exercise.

Spectator participation

For any sport to be a success it is paramount that spectator participation be garnered to the fullest. This was achieved in no small measure. The stadiums were packed for most of the games. In addition Bollywood cricketing actors India and film stars from Sri Lanka and Pakistan added colour.

When these three teams were in action the stadiums ran short of space and pity that thousands of more fans could not get in. But thankfully many clubs and places put up giant screens and spectators who missed the live action,were able to gulp the action on the screen. That Sri Lankan spectators are cricket crazy there is no doubt. After every match regardless of whether Sri Lanka won or lost, the carnival atmosphere prevailed. There were wild scenes of joy and ecstasy, dancing and singing until the wee hours of the morning. The tournament caught the the ICC by surprise with the substitution by Sri Lanka, fearing that a repeat of a slow over rate would keep Jayawardene off a crucial game. It was brilliant thinking when the Sri Lankans out manoeuvred the ICC. It is hoped that the ICC will take this in good spirit and not become vindictive. [email protected]