Tillakaratne Dilshan scolds Sri Lanka middle order for batting "like small kids"

The former Sri Lanka opener lay the blame firmly at the door of the middle order after they collapsed from 144 for 1 to 180 for 8

Former Sri Lanka opener Tillakaratne Dilshan has accused their middle order of "acting like small children" after their collapse against Afghanistan in Cardiff.

Sri Lanka had set a solid platform of 144-1 and looked set for a score well in excess of 300 with just under 30 overs still to play before they lost seven wickets for just 36 runs, which saw them fall to 180-8 before rain interrupted proceedings at Sophia Gardens two runs later.

The 1996 World Cup winners, who suffered a 10-wicket defeat to New Zealand in their opening game, once again delivered a poor batting display and Dilshan believes it demonstrates a soft underbelly in the middle order.

Dilshan told ESPNcricinfo's Match Day: "The middle order are again not taking any responsibility, they should just try to bat normally. They made silly mistakes in the middle, especially given that the ball was not doing anything.

^{Dilshan was particularly critical of Isuru Udana's dismissal}

"Everyone saw how easily Kusal Perera batted very easily, he just batted normally, he hit the boundaries and he hit the singles and put the pressure on the bowling attack.

"But unfortunately sometimes the middle order act like small kids. When they come to the crease they bat like that. I am really disappointed by the batting unit."

Dilshan also reserved specific criticism for Isuru Udana after his ugly shot across the line cost him his wicket and saw the departure of the last recognised batsman for Sri Lanka.

"Udana played a very poor shot. He should support Kusal Perera, who unfortunately played a reverse sweep and got out. I give full blame to the middle order after getting a start at 140 for 1, I cannot believe 180 for 8, I am really disappointed at the batting unit."

Our coverage of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 is brought to you in association with Cricket 19, the official video game of the Ashes. Order your copy now at Amazon.co.uk