Lankan Captain Slams Kohli for Preventing another World Record

Hobart, Feb. 28, 2012 – Sri Lankan Captain Mahela Jayawardena has accused Virat Kohli for his lack of sportsmanship after he prevented another Sri Lankan World record – this time the maximum number of centurions from the same team in a single one day match. After opener Dilshan's lacklustre 160* and 'keeper Sangakkara's cool 105, pacer Lasith Malinga had the unique opportunity to join this elite league after he worked hardly to give away 92 runs off only 7.2 overs of his bowling. However, this attempt was foiled after Indian batsman Virat Kohli scored only 4 runs off the next two balls, hence ending the match for the islanders. The last time a bowler from their team came close to this achievement was Muttiah Muralitharan in the same month in Sydney six years ago. He had conceded 99 runs off 10 overs, which Malinga could have easily bettered were it not for Kohli.

Speaking in a press meet after the match, Captain Jayawardena said that Sri Lanka had a history of World Records under their belt and were hoping to achieve this one elusive record in ODIs. But this was not to be. Saying so, he accused the Indian team and Kohli in particular for failing the spirit of the game.

Meanwhile, Indian Captain MS Dhoni praised his middle order for delivering a thumping victory and keeping their chances alive in the CB Series 2012. But responding to Jayawardena’s comments, he agreed with his Lankan counterpart and said that he will reinitiate the rotation policy next match in order to maintain the ‘spirit of the game’ and would personally stay on the field for atleast 40 overs to ensure that it is implemented. He further said that Kohli having had his chance, is likely to be dropped for the next game. The Australian press, which had previously abused the Indian team for their bad performance, has surprisingly turned around. Rumours say that all their critique will be republished with the words ‘India’ being replaced with ‘Sri Lanka’ tomorrow. 

Ex-Australian legend Ricky Ponting said in a press statement released after the match that he is (jealously) waiting to see Tendulkar’s hundredth hundred in the next ODI match, now that his career seems to have been extended a little further due to this win.