Five balls into his first over and Binura Fernando leaves the field against Australia at Perth

• Hopes to come out victorious in remaining games

PERTH: Sri Lanka may have lost out to Australia in their Group 1 match thanks largely to the extraordinary batting spectacle put up by Marcus Stoinis, but that defeat has not in any way deterred them from winning their three remaining matches against New Zealand, Afghanistan and England.

“I truly believe that we can, not only challenge in this group but come out victorious, as well,” said Sri Lanka head coach Chris Silverwood at the post-match press conference after the seven-wicket loss to Australia.

“I think we’ve shown that we have the capabilities and the skills within the group. If we play to our potential, we can run anybody close. We showed that in the Asia Cup. The confidence is growing within the group. Obviously, the important thing from Tuesday is to make sure that we regroup and get ready for the next game and we come back strong.”

Sri Lanka’s next opponents are New Zealand who ran defending champions Australia to the ground with a clinical display in the opening match of the Super12. The game is scheduled for Saturday at Sydney. Sri Lanka need to finish in the top two of their group to qualify for a place in the semi-finals. They are currently placed second after two matches following England’s shocking loss to Ireland in a rain-marred game at Melbourne yesterday.

Sri Lanka were in control of the game against Australia until the arrival of Stoinis after which the contest became purely a one-sided affair.

“We have to give Stoinis credit here. The way he came in and played was exceptional. He showed how much power he had, and obviously made life very difficult for us,” said Silverwood. “We knew that Australia would come hard at us, obviously, because of the run rate and what have you, but he played superbly well, so credit to him.”

“There was always a ploy. We had plans, obviously we put together, but as with anything, the players are allowed to play well, and today was his day. The way he came back at us and obviously struck the ball, was exceptional. He took the fight to us.”

Silverwood was happy with the start given by the top order on the fast-paced bouncy Perth pitch, although Sri Lanka somewhat lost their way in the middle overs.

“From a batting perspective the guys at the top of the order set a platform nicely for us to go off from there. Obviously, we lost two or three wickets towards the back end, which slowed us down again, but I can’t fault the way the guys at the top of the order played because the ball did move around early on. Life was difficult for us, and clearly, we’re not used to that sort of bounce that we get here at Perth.”

It seems that injury is following the Lankan team everywhere they go. On Tuesday, fast bowler Binura Fernando became the latest casualty in lengthening list of injuries when he pulled up after delivering only five balls and left the field holding onto his left thigh.

“Obviously, we’re having a bit of bad luck around injuries at the moment, especially, in the pace stock,” said Silverwood. “We’ll obviously assess him. The physio is working with him now and the doctor, so we’ll find out exactly the extent of injury to start with and we’ll have to make some decisions from there. Yes, his hamstring.”

“Any injury in a team obviously in a World Cup is hard work. We’ll take stock of where everybody is at the moment and make plans from there. It’s too early to make too many assumptions and get too many answers at the moment. We will just have to see where the guys are, and once the physio gives a report, we will make plans.”

Silverwood was confident his leading spinner Wanindu Hasaranga would bounce back from the thrashing he received at the hands of the Australians when he conceded more than 50 runs in three overs for the first time in his T20 career.

“He is a fine bowler. We know that. He’s a match winner in his own right. Unfortunately, he’s had a bad day today, and it’s not through lack of trying or preparation. We’ll work with him. We’ll build and back him up. We’ll give him the support he deserves, and obviously he will work hard and will bounce back from this, I’m sure.”

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