Shanaka hints at former players for not giving Sri Lanka a chance

Sri Lanka white ball Captain Dasun Shanaka and team mates Matheesha Pathirana and Dunith Wellalage pose with the Men’s Cricket World Cup trophy 2023 at Cinnamon Grand yesterday

Sri Lanka Captain Dasun Shanaka cast a hint at former Sri Lanka players for not giving his team a chance of qualifying for the final of the Asia Cup.

“We came to this tournament as underdogs, the last time also it was the same, no one thought especially those who had played for the country before us didn’t think that we can make it to the final,” said Shanaka speaking to the media at Cinnamon Grand yesterday where the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 trophy was on display.

“They thought that the other three countries India, Pakistan and Bangladesh were stronger than us. We have somehow managed to win and progress to the final. It is nothing to be overwhelmed about. I think we are on a good track.”

Speaking further Shanaka said that he was confident that Sri Lanka could do something in the upcoming World Cup in India.

“In our team there are no senior or junior players. In the ongoing Asia Cup, we saw how Dunith Wellalage and Matheesha Pathirana responded when we needed wickets.

“Yesterday we were biting our nails in the dugout hoping we would win against Pakistan. The players have given us confidence by winning it. As a team we know we have regained the confidence that was not there for some time. That is very important as a country to move forward. All the players are in good mental shape.”

The Lankan Captain admitted that his poor form with the bat was a setback, but added that he was confident of regaining his form during the World Cup in India where the pitches mainly favoured batting. – (ST)