Milan Rathnayake Shines on Debut, Drags Sri Lanka to 236 Against Pakistan
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Lankan newbie 'Milan Rathnayake' makes it a day to remember.Sports Desk August 22, 2024.Colombo -- (August) Milan Rathnayake had the cutting edge with both bat and ball which rescued Sri Lanka from unheralded depths of batting misery raising up each couple of score slowly but surely just as much he could help produce on that extra bit till meeting his fate in typical rookie fashion. The 23-year-old all-rounder showed maturity well beyond his years, helping to rescue an otherwise stumbling batting order.
Rathnayake decribed his debut as a showing of things to come.
When Rathnayake was included in the squad, there was curiosity around fans and experts about what new this youngster can offer. Entering the crease with Sri Lanka reeling at 145/6, Rathnayake was batting number seven. The asking rate was high and with bowlers such Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf in the fray, it was next to impossible.
However, Rathnayake stood up to the occasion and batted with great sense of responsibility also filling all corners. He batted for 68 balls, and struck five boundaries along with a six to stabilise the cause when it was almost falling apart. His stands with the lower order were crucial, giving Sri Lanka a total that they could defend.
**Sri Lanka Top Order Fails: **
Sri Lanka's top order had stumbled against Pakistan's controlled bowling, earlier in the innings too. A reasonable start, openers giving a decent platform but middle order failing under pressure. While Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva chipped in with useful contributions, they didn't make them big. Rathnayake's resolute fifty was Sri Lanka not to be bowled out earlier.
Pakistans's Bowling Attack: Relentless yet Contained
The Pakistan bowlers kept up the pressure all through, and it was Afridi who did most of the damage. Sri Lanka, though lost Avishka Fernando (4) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (0) within the powerplay thanks to early strikes from Afridi while Haris Rauf bowled with fire. Rathnayake, although played like a hero will however lead to that with Pakistan knowing they have got the hosts down to par on what has been revealed as a tough pitch.
The Challenge for Sri Lanka's Bowlers in 2020
If that total is to be defended then it will require some disciplined bowling from Sri Lanka. The pacers can definitely get something out of this pitch therefore, Sri Lanka will look for early breakthroughs to build pressure on the Pakistani batting order. The off-spinning allrounder Rathnayake, who can also bowl medium pace, is likely to have a key role with the ball too.
### Conclusion: A Rising Star? **
The highlight, however has been debut of Milan Rathnayake. If he can deal with the heat and produces against a world class sri lankan bowlers then this player is someone that may god to be worth for some years to come for Sri Lanka. The final result of the game is still in lite, but one thing clear is Rathnayake has given some due reason for Lankan fans to come up and cheer.
The attention would be on how Rathnayake fares in the match with ball as he chases a dream debut at international level.
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