In the nail-biting thriller, Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by two wickets to qualify for the finals of the Asia Cup 2023. This will be Sri Lanka’s record 13th Asia Cup final. There is not a single country that has qualified for it more than 10 times. However, during the game, a street-smart decision by Sri Lanka pacer Pramod Madushan left fans in splits on social media.
Pramod, who has been phenomenal throughout the match with the ball, didn’t let his teammates run out with his decision. It was the last over of the game, and Sri Lanka needed six runs off three deliveries. Their best batter at the moment, Charith Asalanka, was at the non-striker’s end while Pramod was on strike. Pramod was tasked with hitting the ball and getting a single so that Asalanka could strike.
However, Pramod missed the ball and deliberately stood in the crease while Asalanka ran towards him in the hope of a single. There comes Pramod’s street-smart mindset, as he didn’t leave the crease until Asalanka made it to the keeper’s end. As soon as Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan threw the ball towards the bowler’s end, Pramod left the crease and sacrificed his wicket. With this, he deliberately changed the strike while there was no room for a quick single.
Commentators missed Pramod Madushan’s sacrifice
Despite his street-smart mindset, Pramod was subjected to criticism by fans and former cricketers on social media. Many called him lucky that Asalanka did not get out, while others trolled him for not trying to change the strike. However, soon fans realised that it was his presence of mind that helped Asalanka hit winning runs for the island nation.
It is worth noting that Sri Lanka will face India in the finals of the Asia Cup in 2023. The match will take place on Sunday, September 17, at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. With this victory, Sri Lanka also shattered the dreams of fans of seeing India vs. Pakistan in the Asia Cup finals. However, before the prestigious game, India will take on Bangladesh in their last Super Four game.
Here is how fans react to Pramod Madushan’s street-smart mindset:
Really Great observation buddy, i was abusing madushanka at first. Now You changed my perspective ?
Every tailened should learn this.— Siddhant Jain (@Siddhan27690820) September 14, 2023
Ash Anna ko takkar dene waala milgya?
— ? (@itspsp07) September 14, 2023
Amidst tension i cannot imagine how these players can act like that with brilling thinking
— Frankanderic (@frankanderic) September 14, 2023
Exactly, this skill is used by most of the Tennis Cricketers to get the main batsman on strike. I still don't understand how Commentators didn't get that.
— Atharva Chougule (@atharvac09) September 15, 2023
Holy shit… I didnt observed it. And the cricket commentators were blaming him for not running. Wow.. brilliant tactic.
— Aditya (@aditya10on9) September 14, 2023
He is madushan bro, madushanka isn't playing in the Asia Cup.
— Debashish Sarangi (@Plumb_infront) September 14, 2023
Very well stated ! The commentary box missed picking this brilliance, and so did everyone else! This hold by Madhushanka at the crease was a really smart move considering the pressure he was in at that moment !
— SrividyaGanesh (@srividyaganesh) September 15, 2023
Definitely, he didn't have that mindset and it was just a sheer mistake from the batter… But whatever happened, happened for good 🙂
— Zalak Kansara ?? ?? (@amdavadiZalak) September 15, 2023
I have been finding it difficult to understand this game
Can someone help me?— Banacubana ??? (@Banacubana) September 14, 2023
