Sri Lanka captain confident of success in WC Qualifiers after Afghanistan win

Sri Lanka white ball captain Dasun Shanaka and Player of the Match and Series Dushmantha Chameera at the media conference 

• We have the combination to suit the pitches in Bulawayo – Shanaka

Sri Lanka white ball captain Dasun Shanaka said his team’s success in the three-match ODI series 2-1 win over Afghanistan has given them a big boost ahead of the ICC World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe later this month.

“Going into the qualifiers there is a lot of confidence because Afghanistan is a good side,” said Shanaka at the post-match press conference. “If you look at their combination they have players who have played good cricket. You can’t take Afghanistan lightly in world cricket. I think it is a good boost to win the series. To lose the first ODI and to come back and win the next two, we had to put on a big effort. We have two warm-up games before the qualifiers. Our team has gelled well, I think we can give a good account of ourselves and qualify for the World Cup.”

Speaking further Shanaka said, “We have a combination to suit the pitches in Bulawayo. Likewise, the presence of Dimuth, Angelo and Chameera makes a big impact in the end result. The way they play their cricket and the experience they share amongst the team members is important. We have the confidence and the experience. We have played a lot of cricket on turning tracks in the past two years at Pallekele and at the R Premadasa Stadium against Australia and South Africa and we were able to beat them. We have the confidence that with the squad that we have we can win in Zimbabwe.”

“From the time I became captain we gave the players confidence and built the environment. Even now after Dimuth and Angelo came into the squad the environment has not changed. If the player has the confidence in the environment and the belief he can go a long way. Afghanistan was ranked above us, but we know what our skills and talent are. Although we believe in it, a lot of people outside don’t. That’s not a problem at all, we know what we are capable of doing as a team. We believe that we can deliver for the country.”

Offering a word of praise to his prime fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera who spearheaded the bowling in both Sri Lanka’s victory in the series, Shanaka said, “If you talk about Dushmantha he never lost his skill. After the retirement of Lasith Malinga it was Dushmantha who took on the mantle because he has a lot of skills. Although he got injured in his leg he never lost his skill and rhythm. I believe Dushmantha has a lot to offer not only to Sri Lanka cricket but to the world.”

Chameera said that he was glad to be playing once again after undergoing surgery in his ankle. “I had to wait for eight months but during that time I used it for my training, especially the physical fitness side. I wanted to make a good comeback in the two matches and I am happy that I was able to do that. This performance against Afghanistan has given me a lot of confidence for the upcoming matches. As the spearhead of the bowling unit I have a great responsibility. I think I am ready for it. Our fast bowling unit has come to a point where any one of them can perform. The six weeks physical and fitness program we had has been very helpful to us.” – (ST)