Kirsten reveals strategy behind Sri Lanka’s record chase against England

ISLAMABAD: Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten said his team had planned its chase of a daunting 430-run target against England, aiming to reach a strong position after 30 overs before switching to a T20-style approach in the final 20.

Sri Lanka pulled off a remarkable chase in the third match of the Pakistan-hosted ODI tri-series on October 22, overcoming England in a high-scoring thriller after captain Harry Brook struck a record-breaking 202.

“We felt we needed to be in a position after 30 overs where we had a chance of winning the game,” Kirsten told HUM News in an interview.

“The plan was that if we had 10 runs an over to get in the last 20 overs, we would play the game like a T20 match. It worked for us, and four of our players played excellent innings,” he said.

Kirsten described the match as a great experience, particularly with an opposition batter having scored a double century.

“Looking at it, three of our players also, in a way, scored centuries,” he said.

Shanaka asked to score 100 off 50 balls

Kirsten praised Dasun Shanaka for his contribution to the chase, saying the all-rounder had the ability to score quickly and was a key player for the team.

“We told him before the innings that he had to score 100 runs off 50 balls,” Kirsten said.

He added that Shanaka could also be promoted to the top order depending on the team’s requirements, describing his innings as “incredible”.

Kirsten praises Pakistan’s arrangements

Kirsten said the tri-series featured three strong teams and that the good pitches had allowed batters to enjoy the tournament.

He said Pakistan and Sri Lanka had different team cultures and players with different personalities, but working with an energetic and professional side had been a positive experience.

“It is a privilege for me to be involved in a game that belongs to my era,” he said.

Kirsten also praised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its arrangements, saying the pitches were good, the net bowlers were of a high standard and the players were being well looked after.

The former Pakistan head coach said cycling was his favourite pastime and that riding around different parts of Islamabad had been a good experience.