Losing wickets at crucial junctures led to Afghanistan loss: Maheesh Theekshana

Sri Lanka succumbed to their first-ever One-Day International (ODI) defeat against Afghanistan on Monday (October 30) in Pune. Chasing 242, Afghanistan reached the target with seven wickets and 28 balls to spare. With this loss, Sri Lanka are more or less out of contention for a place in the World Cup semis, but Afghanistan keep their hopes alive, being just a couple of points behind New Zealand and Australia, who sit on eight points.

While expressing his disappointment over the loss, Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana says that losing a wicket at key points eventually cost Sri Lanka the game. 

"I believe their bowling performance in the initial phase of the match was commendable. However, we failed to capitalise on the wickets we were preserving," Theekshana said at the post-match press conference.

"The majority of our wicket losses occurred at crucial junctures. In moments when our partnerships were flourishing and our batsmen settled, we lost wickets. I believe this is a significant factor that contributed to our lower run total."

Theekshana also believes that with the dew coming into play in the second innings, the surface became a little easier to bat on compared to when they were batting.

"We struggled to apply the pressure we intended to exert on the opposition. The pitch conditions were quite favourable for batting," the spinner said.

"It seemed like the pitch played better when we were in the field compared to when we were batting. I believe the presence of dew might have had a slight impact on this. We made a substantial effort to create opportunities, and I believe our bowling performance was commendable."

Theekshana also mentioned the challenges he faces without someone of the calibre of Wanindu Hasaranga, who is not part of the squad due to an injury.

"It is a challenge because he is the main wicket-taking bowler we had. So, then we both had a partnership that some days I had to be the strike bowler, some days he would be the strike bowler. The other guy will keep pressure on the batsman," Theekshana, who went wicketless against Afghanistan, said.

"So, with our combination right now, there's only one spinner can play, the wickets are really good. So, there's no turning. So, it's actually a good challenge for me and I think it's an opportunity for me as well."

While Sri Lanka have the option of bringing in Dunith Wellalage as the second spinner, Theekshana believes that the wickets are not favourable for his inclusion.

"We cannot add spinners because the wicket is good," Theekshana said. 

"In this kind of tournament, we can't just bring and add a player. I think as a team we cannot give a big responsibility to one such player because the wicket is good. If the other team collects about 70 runs for six to seven wickets, his confidence will be lost. 

"It is difficult for us to take that kind of risk. We have three good players and we have one spinner. Anji  [Angelo Mathews] and Dana [Dhananjaya de Silva] and they cover 10 overs, so when we are a team, it is everyone's responsibility. 

"I believe we made a crucial mistake today, particularly as a spinner. I was eager to contribute with two or three wickets, but unfortunately, I fell short of that target. I take the blame for that. I take the blame for losing the match."

Sri Lanka, who have lost two in a row, will hope to get back to winning ways when they take on India on Thursday (November 2) in Mumbai.