Bhanuka Rajapsaksa (PC: Twitter)
The move to demote Bhanuka Rajapaksa in the batting position paid immediate dividends for Sri Lanka, as they enjoyed a thumping victory over Afghanistan on Saturday.
Batting first, Afghanistan posted a total of 175 on the board, on the back of 84 from Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
In response, Sri Lanka got off to a quick start with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. Arriving at number six, Rajapaksa slammed 31 off 14, with four fours and a six to help the team begin their Super Four stage on a winning note.
In the post-match presentation, Rajapaksa reckoned that the key reason behind his late arrival at the crease was to strengthen the middle order.
In recent years, Sri Lanka has struggled to get major contributions from their middle-order, and this step might help the team to improve their performance in the near future.
 "Tejas Rathi")
