Sri Lanka prepare for New Zealand challenge with unchanged T20I squad
Sri Lanka have named a strong 16-member squad led by Charith Asalanka for a six-match white-ball series involving three T20Is followed by three ODIs, against New Zealand.
Former Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara has asked for evidence after country’s former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage alleged that team’s 2011 World Cup final against India played in Mumbai was fixed.
India won the match by 6 wickets at the Wankhede Stadium on April 2 as Sri Lanka lost their second World Cup final in a row.
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“The 2011 Cricket World Cup final was fixed. I stand by what I say. It took place when I was the minister of sports,” Aluthgamage told newsfirst.lk.
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“However, I do not wish to expose details for the sake of the country. The game against India in 2011, the game we could have won, was fixed.
“I say this with a responsibility and I can come forward for a debate. The people are concerned about it. I would not involve the cricketers in this.
“However, certain groups were definitely involved in fixing the game,” he added.
Sangakkara, who was the captain of the side when Sri Lanka suffered the agonising defeat, stated that getting to the bottom of the allegations is the best thing to do currently.
“Then no one needs to speculate and can get to the bottom of this. That should be the most prudent course of action,” Sangakkara was quoted as saying by Sri Lankan outlet newsfirst.lk.
India had won their second World Cup title riding on the heroics of Gautam Gambhir and then skipper MS Dhoni. Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a commanding total of 274/6 in 50 overs with Mahela Jayawardene (103*) slamming an unbeaten ton.
Chasing the target, half-centuries from Gambhir (97) and Dhoni (91*) helped the team get over the line with 10 balls to spare. Virat Kohli (35) and Yuvraj Singh (21*) also chipped in with handy contributions.
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