If we bring the right attitude, we can beat any team: Chamika

• T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka play UAE today

Sri Lanka all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne spoke positively about his team winning the next two matches in their group and qualifying for the ICC T20 World Cup Super12 following their shock 55-run defeat at the hands of associate member Namibia in the curtain-raiser match on Sunday.

“You know, we just had a bad day, and we have to accept that Namibia played good cricket in all three departments, batting, bowling, and fielding,” said Karunaratne ahead of Sri Lanka’s second Group A match against UAE at Geelong on Tuesday.

“What we have to do is to review what we did, our mistakes and everything. Right now, somehow we have to win no matter what, we have to win – the next two matches. I think the boys all know that. We are definitely going to put more than 100 per cent in the next two matches. 

“We will take it more seriously and just play because we are a much better side than that. I know our players and the staff and everyone are going to come back strongly and we are going to play some good cricket.”

Even in the Asia Cup, Sri Lanka started off with a loss to Afghanistan but won the next five matches including the final to lift the Asia Cup.  

“We aren’t thinking the same way because the Asia Cup is in the past now. It’s history. Now we have to think about the World Cup. It’s not the Asia Cup – and different places, different conditions, different country,” said Karunaratne. 

“The ground is also so different. One side is 57 (meters), and another side is 55, and some are long and straight. So many things are different, so we have to plan and we have to play our game. We have a young side. We have so much energy and so much fit players. We have to take that advantage, and come back really strong.”

“I think we have everything. We have the power hitters, players who can control the game, and we are fit and strong and mindful and tactical. We have all who can play in different areas. We have the pace and the variation and the spin is really good. 

“What we have to do is we have to bring the right attitude. That’s the most important thing, not only for us, but for all the other sides. If we bring the right attitude, we can beat any team, anytime.”