The viral photo of Lasith Malinga, which become utilized by trolls to mock his “non-athletic frame”, has been used by former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene to praise his starring position inside the win over England.
Malinga had received a variety of flak after his facet’s terrible run in the ongoing World Cup 2019, after he becomes photographed along with his shirt off, exposing a portly stomach. But he spoke back his critics emphatically on Friday as he picked up 4 key wickets to assist his side earn a famous victory and earn two important factors that maintain the semi-final race alive.
Using the viral image, Jayawardene praised Malinga for his capacity to step up in huge video games and stated, “cricket isn’t always approximately a six percent, however approximately the skill and Lasith Malinga showed that in spades in Sri Lanka’s win over England,”
he 35-year-vintage rolled lower back the years at Headingley whilst he removed England openers James Vince and Jonny Bairstow. He then bumped off dangermen Joe Root and Jos Buttler to depart England in turmoil.
“He has finished it so in many instances for Sri Lanka through the years but it become super to see him at his pleasant. He changed into on a undertaking with the new ball. Big players carry out in large games and that is what he did, eliminating Root after which Jos Buttler who may want to have received the sport for England as nicely,” Jayawardene wrote in a column for the International Cricket Council.
Coming into the game as underdogs, Dimuth Karunaratne’s facet blew open the race for semi-final places with their unexpected victory and Jayawardene said that is good for the event.
England, bidding to win the World Cup for the first time, suffered their 2d defeat of the group level following an equally sudden loss to Pakistan. “It’s a incredible win for Sri Lanka, but also for the World Cup and it opens things up a little,” said Jayawardene.
“The pinnacle 4 so far have a whole lot of suits in opposition to every different developing, so they will inevitably drop some factors.
You observe New Zealand, Australia and England who all should play every different which does make it thrilling.”
“That leaves Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the West Indies with a threat to shut the gap if they can select up a few more wins.” Sri Lanka, the 1996 champions, are fifth within the 10-group desk, as they hunt a top 4 finish.
