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Cape Town - Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews has expressed his disappointment that the floodlights could not be used in their run-chase against the Proteas in Colombo last Sunday.
Sri Lanka, chasing 305 for victory, were looking good on 216/5 after 37 overs but then lost their last five wickets for a mere 13 runs to lose the first ODI by 75 runs.
Dark clouds had started to hover over the ground and the hosts tried to up the ante in order to be ahead of the Duckworth-Lewis equation should rain intervene.
They were not allowed to have the floodlights put on though because of Sri Lanka Cricket's attempts to cut operational costs.
According to the ESPNcricinfo website, Sri Lanka Cricket and Cricket South Africa signed a memorandum of understanding which prevented the lights being switched on when conditions became too dark.
The ICC's playing conditions does not make the use of floodlights compulsory for day matches, even if the light dips below what is normally acceptable on a ground with floodlight facilities. An SLC official confirmed financial savings had been the primary driver behind SLC's decision to exercise that leeway.
Mathews was upset though and believes the scenario would have been easier if they were allowed to make use of the lights.
"We had a good game in our hands at one point. Unfortunately, the situation changes and we've got to go with the situation. In the end we had to change our approach a little because of the light, but we also didn't play well. If we can use the lights, it will be good because it gets a bit dark in the evening. I'm not really sure why, but we were told at the match referee's meeting we won't be able to use it," said Mathews.
Wednesday's second ODI in Pallekele will be day-night game, while the third and final once in Hambantota on Saturday is another day game.
Sri Lanka, chasing 305 for victory, were looking good on 216/5 after 37 overs but then lost their last five wickets for a mere 13 runs to lose the first ODI by 75 runs.
Dark clouds had started to hover over the ground and the hosts tried to up the ante in order to be ahead of the Duckworth-Lewis equation should rain intervene.
They were not allowed to have the floodlights put on though because of Sri Lanka Cricket's attempts to cut operational costs.
According to the ESPNcricinfo website, Sri Lanka Cricket and Cricket South Africa signed a memorandum of understanding which prevented the lights being switched on when conditions became too dark.
The ICC's playing conditions does not make the use of floodlights compulsory for day matches, even if the light dips below what is normally acceptable on a ground with floodlight facilities. An SLC official confirmed financial savings had been the primary driver behind SLC's decision to exercise that leeway.
Mathews was upset though and believes the scenario would have been easier if they were allowed to make use of the lights.
"We had a good game in our hands at one point. Unfortunately, the situation changes and we've got to go with the situation. In the end we had to change our approach a little because of the light, but we also didn't play well. If we can use the lights, it will be good because it gets a bit dark in the evening. I'm not really sure why, but we were told at the match referee's meeting we won't be able to use it," said Mathews.
Wednesday's second ODI in Pallekele will be day-night game, while the third and final once in Hambantota on Saturday is another day game.
