Emboldened by its recent success against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka batting coach Thilina Kandambi is confident that they can overcome the challenge posed by the Tigers in the T20 World Cup.
The match turned out to be a ‘do or die’ game for Sri Lanka in a bid to keep their Super 8 hopes alive following their six-wicket defeat to South Africa in the first game after being bowled out for just 77 runs.
Since two teams will move to the Super 8 phase from the group D, another defeat can be fatal for Sri Lanka. But Kandambi is confident that the players will turn the things around by keeping their composure.
“We had a good chat yesterday with the boys and they have realized the mistakes that they have done. Also, I think they are experienced enough to come back in this game. We have spoken about it – a lot of things, how we are going to play up,” Kandamdi said during a pre-match conference on Wednesday here.
“If the A game is not happening, how we transfer our mental approach to the B game…so, we have spoken about it. I think boys are pretty much up for it.”
Having said that he played down the pressure as the match turned out to be a virtual knock out game for them.
“I think we have played good cricket against Bangladesh in the recent past. So, we have that confidence and momentum going through this game,” he remarked.
With Sri Lanka not performing up to the mark, it is believed Bangladesh could have some extra leverage even though the Tigers, themselves, haven’t been in good form.
“Recent past, I mean on this tour actually we played a couple of practice games and we lost the first game and the first match as well, but coming into this tournament actually the previous series, bilateral series against Bangladesh – we won and we played – all together I think we played very good cricket there. So, with that confidence I think boys know what to do tomorrow,” he said.
“We have analysed their (Bangladesh’s) Strength and weaknesses as well. So, we have played each other more I mean recent past so because of that I think boys are confident enough.”
According to Kandambi, it is matter of just a good performance in one game, which could help them to bounce back.
“It’s a matter of one game actually – we didn’t bat well we accept that. But the way our bowlers and the fielders fought back, defending such a small total in New York, which is fantastic. And you can, I mean, we also have the confidence with our boys? I’m sure the batters have played a lot of cricket, so they can bounce back at any time.”
At the same time, Kandambi refused to underestimate Bangladesh even though the Tigers have been in perpetual defeats.
“It’s all about the process I think, how we’re going to approach the game from the ball one. That’s what I said earlier also that our boys are confident because we had a good series against Bangladesh recently. So, we can take that confidence and move forward.”
