Kumar Sangakkara came in support of Sri Lankan team before the World Cup
New Delhi (Uttam Hindu News) – Great cricketer and former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara believes that the current team has the potential to go far in the World Cup campaign to be held in India, provided the bowlers take early wickets with the new ball.
The team that won the 1996 World Cup was the runner-up in 2007 and 2011. Now in the year 2023, it will start its World Cup-2023 campaign against South Africa at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on 7th October.
That team is none other than Sri Lanka. Which had to face a shameful defeat in the Asia Cup final against India.
However, no other team would make the mistake of underestimating Sri Lanka as they reached the Asia Cup final without many of their key players. India defeated Sri Lanka by ten wickets in the final at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. However, Dunith Velazquez and Mathisha Pathirana bowled impressively while defending the low score.
“I think Sri Lanka has the squad to win those difficult matches,” Sangakkara told IANS in an email interview to IANS, powered by the Meta-11 platform. The team’s batting is strong and we really need fast bowlers to support the spinners, who have been doing a fantastic job recently. If the opening bowlers can get early wickets, then Sri Lanka has a chance to progress in the World Cup.”
After finishing tenth in the World Cup Super League, Sri Lanka missed qualification and had to play in the qualifier tournament held in Zimbabwe in June–July this year. At the competition, they won all eight of their matches to qualify for the main event along with runners-up Netherlands.
Sangakkara said, “Sri Lanka won the T20 World Cup in 2014 and the Asia Cup in 2022 despite strong opponents. Even in the ongoing Asia Cup, Sri Lanka is topping the Group B table. So, Sri Lanka as a country has strong talent and I am confident that the team can build on it from the grassroots level.”
When asked whether it is now possible for cricketers to play in all three formats of international matches. He said, “It is definitely possible. But, it requires balance. We have seen some players across all three formats taking a break from some games and I think that is very important. This gives them an opportunity to refresh and come back. “This obviously also reduces the chance of injury in the long run.” Sangakkara also praised the Sri Lanka women’s team for their performance this year.
