Pace spearhead Karunaratne makes early statement

Karunaratne, who was handed over the responsibility of spearheading Sri Lanka’s seam attack, conceded just 17 runs from his four over while claiming a wicket.

“Last week, the coaching staff told me I was bowling the first over and they just said do the basics well, the normal out-swing and that’s it.” Karunaratne said after the game.

“From the very first over, we bowled really well,” explained the 25-year-old opening bowler after restricting Namibia to just 96 runs from 19.3 overs.

“It was just doing the basics. There’s a little bit of pace in the wickets because of the dew, which gives some support for the fast bowlers, so they were looking really good. Keeping a team to less than 100 is a good total,” Karunaratne added.

It’s unlikely that Sri Lanka will be able to restrict every opponent they play to double figures but if their seamers can continue to complement the spin wizardry of Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Theekshana, then they may just find themselves with one of the most potent bowling attacks in the entire tournament. (ICC)