Middle Order Run Drought

The talking point of the recent tours of Sri Lankan Cricket team was the run drought of their middle order. For many years Sri Lanka faced a severe crisis of their middle order batsman failing to score runs. This even resulted on loosing matches and even tournaments.

But yesterday's match showed us the strength we got in our middle order. Well, we didn't have a perfect start. It was really a slow pitch. Sri Lankan guns Dilshan and Jayasuriya struggled to make bat on ball. The top order collapsed due to this and black caps had tightened the screws with excellent fielding and brilliant bowling. Vettori and McCullum slowed the run rate and Sri Lankans were in nowhere when they were 5/69. Then came the great 127 run partnership between Thilan Samaraweera and Anjelo Mathews in a very quick rate. Finally Samaraweera made his maiden ODI century and Mattews scoring a quick 50.

Thilan Samaraweera the Man of the Match
Source: Cricinfo

Fastest Fifty by Anjelo Mathews
Source: Cricinfo

The specialty of this match was that middle order succeeded for the first time in many years. Sri Lankans searched for a good middle order pair. They finally got it at the right time. It will be a good sign ahead of the Champions Trophy.

Congratulations on the victory and hope you will continue the good work !!!!