Sri Lanka charge towards Asia Cup triumph – by Trevine Rodrigo
There’s something about the choice of former England coach Chris Silverwood that has the trimmings of a good luck charm to Sri Lanka cricket.
Although not directly responsible for on field success, his appointment to a turbulent team spiralling downward and out of control has been baulked. They have in fact found a way to clamber upward from a situation of near despair giving fresh hope to their suffering fans at home and around the globe.
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With the T20 World Cup in Australia just around the corner in October, their resurgence could not have been timed better, having to get past embarrassing qualifying rounds before playing on the big stage.
If anything, Silverwood has instilled a mindset of self belief and new found confidence in a Sri Lanka squad that appeared to have lost their vision.
Important wins over Afghanistan, Bangladesh and big brother India have given the supercharged Lankans a burst towards the final and possibly an unexpected Asia Cup triumph.
Their form before the tournament indicated reasonable progress after a titanic series against Australia at home.
But the bounce back after early capitulation to Afghanistan in the early rounds did nothing to indicate a revival nor a hat-trick of wins which gives them a strong chance of playing in the final.
The pendulum has swung much in Sri Lanka’s favour for an unprecedented Asia Cup win but the road to success has not been convincing as they walked the tightrope on their way towards the final.
India and Pakistan were the pre tournament favourites, but India’s loss to Pakistan and Sri Lanka in tense battles sees them teetering on the brink of elimination before the final.
Indian fans were livid at their country’s failure after being accustomed to being domineering, not just in Asia, but in world cricket.
There will be plenty of soul searching in the Indian camp before the World Cup.
Looming in the shadows, and a definite dark horse is the talented Afghanistan who have shed the tag of minnows and are capable of turning tables on anyone on their day.
They have wins over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the tournament so far and cannot be ruled out to upset the Indians or Pakistan.
What has contributed to Sri Lanka’s march has been the perfect blend in batting and bowling in the current squad as they mature and pose a serious threat to the best teams in the world.
Dasun Shanaka has proved his critics wrong leading from the front with his exemplary performances, and, as a worthy leader.
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In Pathum Nissanka, reinvigorated Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapakse, and Dhananjaya De Silva and Dhanuska Gunatilleke Sri Lanka has a world class batting line up that will improve with experience. The bowling possesses two exceptional spinners in Wanindu Hasarsnga De Silvaand Maheesh Theeksheena, apart from fast men Asitha Fernando who will be paired with Chamika Karunaratne and Dushmantha Chameera, the latter currently unavailable due to injury.
Win or lose the Asia Cup, Sri Lanka have signalled their intentions for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
