All eyes on Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s former captain, Sanath Jayasuriya, believes that playing at home in the ICC World T20 2012 is a massive advantage for the Islanders and is expecting a good show from the hosts when they kick-start their campaign against Zimbabwe on 18 September.

The Islanders reached the final of the second edition of the event in England in 2009 but failed to dismantle Pakistan in the all-important encounter at Lord’s.

The Lankan Tigers have struggled for consistency since the retirement of spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan’s retirement; however, with the emergence of some talented youngsters, Jayawardene’s men remain a tough opposition to beat in the game’s shorter formats.

Jayasuriya believes that the pressure will on the Sri Lankan team to perform well in the tournament because of the home crowd.

“There is no doubt that playing at home brings additional pressure and more expectations, particularly as Sri Lanka are amongst the favourites in the World T20,” said the former captain while talking to Pakpassion.

However, the former opening batsman is of the view that playing in one’s own backyard is always crucial as all the players are familiar with the pitches and conditions. Jayasuriya believes that if the home side can handle pressure, they are one of the hot-favourites to clinch the World T20.

“There’s no doubt that any cricketer would rather play in their home conditions than overseas particularly when it comes to a major tournament like the World T20,” Jayasuriya mentioned. “I expect Mahela Jayawardene and his team to not succumb to the pressure, rise to the challenge and utilise the home advantage. I’m sure we will see a good display from the Sri Lankans at the World T20.”

Despite the fact that the Islanders no longer have the services of Muralitharan or Chaminda Vaas, they remain a balanced outfit owing to the all-round strength in their side.

Apart from having seasoned campaigners in Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara and skipper Mahela, the Lankan side further possess match-winners in Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera, while also contain one of the game’s leading fast bowler, Lasith Malinga. (www.dawn.com)