Sri Lanka in search of maiden T20I series win in NZ

Sri Lanka’s T20I Captain Charith Asalanka and Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya

• The conditions are different altogether, we need to be smart and play to our strengths – Jayasuriya

In Sanath Jayasuriya’s era as Head Coach of the Sri Lanka cricket team, the only blemish has been that they have not won a T20I series, whereas in Tests and ODIs they have done so and the victories have improved the rankings in these two formats.

However, Sri Lanka remains stagnant at 8th position in the ICC T20I rankings because of a lack of consistency in their performances.

The upcoming three-match T20I series in New Zealand later this month gives Sri Lanka an opportunity to improve their position in the shortest format. But it’s not going to be easy playing the Black Caps in their home conditions. Of the 8 matches Sri Lanka has played in New Zealand they have won 2 and lost 6. They have yet to win a T20I series in New Zealand.

Jayasuriya is of the view that this is a big opportunity for Sri Lanka to win a T20I series there.

“The conditions are different altogether. We need to be smart and play to our strengths. We have the fast bowlers, spinners and a batting line up. We are there, we can win,” said Jayasuriya prior to the team’s departure to New Zealand yesterday.

“We drew the 2-match series with New Zealand at home and the players understand the situation. They want to do well. We are doing our best. I think we can do something in New Zealand.”

To improve their rankings Sri Lanka has to win consistently.

“It’s the shortest version of the game and the decision making has to be very fast,” said Jayasuriya. “We have been discussing and working on it. In this format of the game you need to do well in all three departments.”

A lot depends on how quickly Sri Lanka can adapt to the conditions in New Zealand.

“T20 cricket is different to Test cricket. I hope there will be good tracks. Some of the boys left for New Zealand yesterday (Thursday). We are playing a practice match against a local side on 24 December at Christchurch. We have at least 5-6 days of practice before the 1st T20I on 28 December. The schedule is such that we are trying our best to adjust ourselves.”

“In Sri Lanka we make turning tracks. The boys should be able to cope with the seam and bounce. It is normal, the home country has the advantage, so you can’t complain. We’ll have to adjust. That’s part of cricket.”

Sri Lanka plays New Zealand in the first two T20Is on 28 and 30 December at Bay Oval Stadium in Mount Maunganui which produces good batting tracks and plenty of runs as much as seam bowlers who enjoy bowling as they get pace and bounce. The third and final T20I is at Saxton Oval in Nelson on 2 January.

Although it is still early days, Jayasuriya said that these series are being used towards building up a strong team for the next T20 World Cup in 2026 to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka which is some 14 months away.

“We have another 15 T20I matches before the World Cup to get our combinations right. We are giving a few players a run at the moment and after that we have to look into the few areas that need looking into. We are looking at a big hitting batter down the order and an all-rounder in the lower order,” said Jayasuriya.

Dinesh Chandimal who had to retire hurt with a shoulder pain during a Lanka T10 match has been cleared by the physio and will make the tour.

SRI LANKA T20I SQUAD TO NEW ZEALAND

Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando.