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'They are capable of doing it': Former skipper wants Sri Lanka to focus on going all the way & win T20 WC

A former Sri Lankan skipper has backed the Dasun Shanka-led side to build on the success they achieved in the recently-concluded Asia Cup and go on to play a fearless brand of cricket in the upcoming T20 World Cup. According to him, the Asia Cup triumph should give the Islanders the confidence to aim for the title in Australia.

TN Sports Desk

Updated Sep 15, 2022, 06:40 IST

2022 Asia Cup winners Sri Lanka will play the qualifying round in T20 World Cup.

Photo : AP

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Sri Lanka won the 2022 edition of the Asia Cup, which was played in the UAE.
They got the better of India and Pakistan (twice) to bag the top prize.
In the T20 World Cup 2022, Sri Lanka’s campaign will start on October 16 in qualifiers, but they are most likely to make it to the Super 12s.

The 2022 edition of the T20 World Cup is scheduled to start in almost a month’s time in Australia. Like in last year’s tournament, this year as well, the tournament will start with the qualifiers and then the main round will start. In the Super 12 stage, six teams are divided into two groups, and the top-two sides from each group will advance to the semifinals.

There are a lot of contenders for the top prize this time around. With defending champions and hosts Australia leading the band, they also have India, Pakistan, England, South Africa, and New Zealand in line. But one team that could be a dark horse is none other than Sri Lanka. Even though they haven’t confirmed their place in the tournament yet, they are likely to make it to the Super 12s from qualifiers. And then, in the main tournament, they could give anyone a run for their money.

They have shown in the recently concluded Asia Cup what they are capable of. And that’s why former Sri Lankan captain and legendary batter Mahela Jayawardene wants them to aim for the top prize in the mega event, saying that the Dasun Shanaka-led side should not think of anything else after having gained momentum at the Asia Cup.

In the 2022 edition of the Asia Cup, which was played in the T20 format, Sri Lanka defied all odds to go on and win the tournament. They got the better of pre-tournament favourites India and Pakistan (twice) on their way to bagging the biggest prize.

Sri Lanka may have won only 2 out of 11 matches in bilateral series since the last T20 World Cup, but Jayawardene believes that the Asia Cup triumph should give them the confidence to aim for the title in Australia.

"If they take the confidence of what they achieved in the last (T20) World Cup and then now at the Asia Cup, I think they shouldn't be looking at anything other than going all the way and winning the World Cup," Jayawardene told the ICC.

"I mean, that's the attitude to have and this is a group I feel that will play with no fear and no extra luggage on them either, so just go out there and enjoy their cricket and play."

The former skipper said that the way Sri Lanka start the T20 World Cup campaign and how they adapt to the conditions in Australia will play a key role in how far they go in the tournament.

"The start of the World Cup is going to be very crucial for them as they need to get the momentum and get themselves adjusted to the conditions," Jayawardena noted.

"But I’m very confident that they are capable of doing it."

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