Liyanage Takes Responsibility After Sri Lanka Fall Short in Colombo Thriller

Liyanage Takes Responsibility After Sri Lanka Fall Short in Colombo Thriller

Janith Liyanage came heartbreakingly close to pulling off a stunning win for Sri Lanka in the second ODI against Bangladesh, but after falling with just 21 runs needed and two wickets in hand, the middle-order batter shouldered the blame for his team’s 16-run defeat.

Chasing 255 on a turning Colombo surface, Sri Lanka were undone by a mid-innings collapse, losing five wickets for just 57 runs. Despite a spirited fightback led by Liyanage, who scored a composed 78 off 85 balls, the hosts ultimately fell short, allowing Bangladesh to level the series 1-1.

“We made some small mistakes and lost the game there – the batting unit will take responsibility for that,” Liyanage admitted post-match. “We know the Premadasa pitch turns a bit as the game goes on, but we're not using that as an excuse.”

Coming in at No. 6, Liyanage anchored the chase as wickets tumbled around him. His ninth-wicket stand with Dushmantha Chameera added 58 runs and reignited Sri Lankan hopes in front of an expectant Khettarama crowd. With just 21 runs needed off 17 balls, victory seemed within reach. But a clever slower delivery from Mustafizur Rahman deceived Liyanage, who was caught and bowled to end the resistance.

“When I was in the middle, I thought Sri Lanka always had a chance,” Liyanage said. “I kept telling my partners that if we can take it deep, we can win the game. Dushmantha Chameera was giving me incredible support. If I’d stayed there, we would definitely have been able to win. I was the one who made the mistake.”

Liyanage, whose average now stands at an impressive 45.18 at a strike rate of 82, has quickly become a key figure in Sri Lanka’s middle order, often entrusted with finishing duties.

“I’ve spoken a lot with the coaches about what to do in different match situations,” he added. “One thing they’ve emphasized is that when our top order doesn’t fire, I’m the one expected to take it deep and finish the game. That was the plan today too.”

While Sri Lanka will rue letting Bangladesh’s final-wicket pair add more runs than expected, Liyanage was clear that the top-order failures with the bat were where the game slipped away.

With the series now level, the third ODI promises to be a decider filled with pressure and promise. For Liyanage, it’s another opportunity to lead from the middle and deliver when it matters most.

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