Internet Desk: Defending champions Sri Lanka will look for a positive start against a spirited Afghanistan in their World Twenty20 Super 10 opener at Eden Gardens here tomorrow. The islanders have been struggling in recent times, having managed to win only four of their 14 matches since they beat India to win the 2014 edition in Mirpur.
Regular T20I skipper Lasith Malinga has stepped down as leader of the team, following concern over his slow recovery from a knee injury. The slinger looks to be a doubtful starter in tomorrow’s match. According to Angelo Mathews ,“He is yet to get yes or no from physio. He will have a net session tomorrow to assess how he is feeling. He bowled a couple of overs with short run-up.”
It’s a different looking Lankan team post the retirement of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayaweredene. Angelo Mathews will have his task cut out against the Afghans. The Sri Lankan captain is happy with the tag of underdogs. “Coming into the tournament as underdogs does release the pressure. We didn’t do well in Asia Cup. As a team we are getting better day by day. I’m confident of my team’s progress. Afghanistan cannot be termed as minnows as they have done well to qualify. We have to play really well to beat them.”
With bowling their weak link, the onus would be on the batsmen to put big scores and they would hope that their star batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan’s batting woes are over. Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne and skipper Angelo Mathews will have the added responsibility of posting a total for the bowlers to defend.
“It’s quite hard to fill in the shoes of Sangakkara and Mahela. They served us for so many years. It is up to all of us to take on the responsibility. Cricket will live forever no one is permanent in the team. Who comes into the team has to take responsibility whoever comes into the team. Yes I’ve had a lean patch but I have been batting well at the nets and hope to carry on the good form.”
Sri Lanka will sorely miss an experienced spinner and will have to depend on the veteran left arm orthodox spinner Rangana Herath. Afghanistan on the other hand will look to pull off an upset against Sri Lanka. They beat Zimbabwe to qualify for the tournament proper.