It was the right idea: Dasun Shanaka defends himself after thrashing Australia in final over thriller

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka defended his decision to bowl the final over against Australia, which cost him 15 for 19 in the final. The fourth ODI between Sri Lanka and Australia was a low-scoring thriller, with the batsmen on either side failing to lose in spin-supporting conditions.

Sri Lanka’s clean bowling performance meant that Shanaka had 19 runs to defend in the final over, enough runs for any bowler at the time in the game. With the pitch gripping and spinning, everyone thought Shanaka would get away with the bowling cutter, but the captain chose to go full and tough.

Australian spinner, Matthew Kuhneman came out swinging against the Sri Lankan captain and dismissed him for 14 runs in the first five balls. As Sri Lanka’s bowling strategist, Lasith Malinga raged outside the boundary, a lengthy conversation between the players calmed Shanaka’s nerves, resulting in the final ball going to the off-cutter. With Kühnemann hitting the ball hard, it leapt into the air, and was caught by Charith Aslanka at point, SL winning the game by 4 runs.

“After Chamika bowled that over we discussed bowling a spinner but it was right to challenge myself. I was very confident about the score. We were 34 for 3 at one point and Charit and DDS Got a really good partnership. And unfortunately we didn’t capitalize on it in the end. But we were very happy with the score we were able to put up.”

Speaking about Sri Lanka’s first home series win in ODIs in 30 years, Shanaka said it gave him and his team confidence.

“Not only for me, for my teammates, for Sri Lanka cricket, for the whole country, it is much needed at this time. I think it should be celebrated by the whole of Sri Lanka.”

Sri Lanka will now face Australia in a dead rubber but will look to pick up a crucial 10 points for the ODI Super League.