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The race remains fiercely competitive

With the exception of perhaps KKR, all teams can still easily make it to the semifinals, writes Kumar Sangakkara

We are reaching the mid-way point in the IPL-II and, as many predicted at the outset, the contest remains fiercely competitive. With the exception of perhaps Kolkata, which will need a remarkable run in the second-half to qualify, all teams can still easily make it to the semifinals.

The quality of the cricket has been brilliant and the number of close finishes has been a feature. If anything, the conditions here in South Africa have contributed to this, making this year’s IPL an even more compelling spectacle than last year’s event in India.

Those that doubted the tournament’s success following its relocation have been emphatically proved wrong.

There might reasonably have been fears of low crowd turnouts in some games considering the sheer volume of cricket, but instead we have seen a carnival-like atmosphere.

Lankan contribution

It is good to see other Sri Lankan players making their mark. However, one surprise has been the lack of opportunity for Ajantha Mendis for Knight Riders. Considering the spin-friendly conditions, I’d have thought he might have played more. He showed his match-winning potential in his first game against Rajasthan Royals, dismissing both Yusuf Pathan and Graeme Smith.

I know he was bashed around in the Super Over that followed, but using him in that was a high-risk gamble. While he was also expensive against Mumbai Indians, everyone went to the cleaners in that game with Sanath Jayasuriya and Sachin Tendulkar running riot.

Like many quality players, he will just need to be patient making sure he keeps learning from the IPL experience.

T. Dilshan has continued the fine form he has shown during the last six months. Impressively, he has been finishing matches too. Jayasuriya has also played some valuable knocks.

The big positive for us has been the sensational return of Lasith Malinga. The poor guy had a wretched time with his knee injury last year, but he has come back reinvigorated with no signs of rustiness. He has been accurate, fast and skilful with his variations.

Our match on Friday was another thriller. Unfortunately, though, the result did not swing our way. It was very disappointing because we dominated 75 per cent of the game. However, while recognising that we made mistakes is important, it is also important we keep our frustration in perspective. Indeed, in the last week we have come a long way. The team atmosphere has been excellent.

Yuvraj’s leadership has been clear-headed. Our bowling, after a bumpy start, has gelled really well.

Gameplan

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