BIPIN DANI
It is not only Achini Kulasuriya's sportsmanship is hailed but another Sri Lankan woman player also won the hearts of the fans on Thursday.
The 36-year-old slow left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera had won the Player of the Match award for her 2 wickets against Pakistan in the Women's Asia Cup in Bangladesh but instead of pocketing the Award alone, she preferred to share it with Achini, whose last over denied Pakistan the berth in the final.
"Sharing an award was an instant decision", Inoka Ranaweera, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Bangladesh, said.
"I wanted to appreciate her great effort. We have a great team spirit. We always support each other and celebrate success together".
"I think all the players contributed to this win. Final over was the most crucial one of the game. We were only allowed 3 fielders outside the 25 yard. So I think Achini bowled a brilliant over in that pressure situation. My spell has no worth if we haven't won the game. So that's why I thought I should share the award", she explained her decision of sharing the award.
The terms for players winning the awards are changed from Man of the Match and Man of the Series to Player of the Match and Player of the Series. This avoids the gender discrimination.
"Yes, I think it's a good move. Now a lot of things have changed. I think everything is getting better", she signed off.
