The cubs mauled the Seth Efricans
To the tune of 4-1.
That’s a complete drubbing by any ones standards.
After a very unfortunate loss in the unofficial test series the young cubs showed their class in taking out the ODI series with a comprehensive victory.
The cubs only slip up resulted in them faltering in the 2nd test which eventually led to the series loss to the south Africans as the lads went down 1-0. It’s a safe bet to say that the A’s dominated this whole tour. Except for that one game.
The round up.
Thilina Kandamby needs to be in the Sri Lankan test and ODI teams pronto. The mans been making runs like Ferrari makes mistakes in a Grand Prix. A hell of a lot. On a consistent basis.
He piled on the misery with 391 runs in the test series at 91 with 2 centuries.
The cubs leading run scorer in the series.
And as if to prove a point in the ODIs he smashed a further 394 runs at 91 in 5 innings. 3 of those innings reaped in 50s. In the last game he buried the Saffers good and proper. Having sealed the series 3-1 in the 4th ODI, the cubs were set 294 in the last game.
At 6-94 things weren’t looking pretty. 203 runs later- the A’s had won the game. Thilina had 128 off 125 and the South Africans were looking for a bridge to jump off. Cubs win by 4 wickets. Herath added 88 not out to the party as well.
Such was the dominance of the captain. Talk about leading from the front. If the Sri Lankan selectors, Sports ministers and Arjuna Ranatunga can get their heads out of their arses they would know this. Instead they are busy with ‘other matters’.
Kandamby doesn’t even have a central contract. While the failure-duo, Silva and Dilshan does. This a joke of epic proportions that its stopped being funny a while ago.
Tharanga Paranavitana also impressed with some big numbers 298 at 56 in the test series. He is also looking like a major prospect for the first team middle order. An overall career average of 42 doesn’t hurt either.
The dominance of the Sri Lankan batting was a highlight of the series. The cubs consistently got scores of over 300 in the test series. At one point amassing over 700. In the ODIs scores were consistently over the 250 mark. Understandably their lowest total came in the only game they lost in the ODI series at 218. The 2nd lowest was 274.
Ambul has pressed his claim to be back in national colors. He was instrumental in getting the A’s off to good starts in all 4 of the games he played. 250 runs at 80 with a huge 100 that Hilal reported. A strike rate of over 100 did nicely as well.
Kaushal Silva and Anjelo Matthews are also ones to watch. Kaushal looks to be the illusive replacement for Sangakkara when he does hang up the boots. At 22 years of age Id argue that he still should play a few more games for the Cubs before he really gets an opportunity in the first team.
Anjelo Matthews from Colts continues his impressive display of all round skill. Chipping in with a few useful half centuries and a handful of wickets. At 21 the kids got a way to go.
The bowlers from both teams took a thrashing as the test and ODI series were dominated by the bat. However, impressive displays from The Don aka Ishan Amarasinghe did impress. His 13 wickets in the ODI series was clearly the difference between the two sides. A clear sign of his international experience being put to good use. With Malinga and Maharoof on the come back trail after injuries, Ishans fine display puts him into contention for the ODI team.
Rangana Heraths experience also helped the cubs butcher the Saffers as his spin played another important role in the middle overs in the ODIs.
Verdict
The cubs are guns. Or rather were gunnish in this tour.
No doubt.
Thilina Kandamby should get a central contract. Dilshan and Silva should be sent home to watch re runs of each of Kandambys 700 runs.
Ambul should be recalled to the ODI team.
The quicks need some work and Paddyhouse needs to develop more if he is to be the long term replacement for Vass. At 27 time is still on his side. But not for too long.
Bottom Line.
In a 5 match series with the National team the series would end 3-2.
To the cubs.
As always, nicely written.
Yes Kandambi certainley deserves a place in the team and UT seems to have done enough to earn his spot in the team, but with Sana still being there that's another issue.
And since we don't have much cricket to come up except for a couple of Tests agains Banga boys – if you can call them Tests – I think we should keep this A team together and let them play as many matches as possible. Mostly overseas. And good teams like SA, Aussies, Eng, India etc. Not the shit like Banga we have been playing a lot in recent times.
Hats off to Herath as well, but with the well set duo M&M, I don't see him getting a crack at the team.
All in all a very satisfying tour with a lot of positives. Way to go boys!