Hasaranga target T20 WC after win over Zimbabwe

Hasaranga at the press briefing

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

After a thrilling victory in the first Twenty20 International of the three-match series against Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka Captain Wanindu Hasaranga expressed confidence that this initial triumph under his captaincy marks a positive beginning for the upcoming T20 World Cup.   

Sri Lanka secured a three-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in a last-ball thriller during the first T20 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday. The second T20 game will be played at the same venue today.   

Former Captain Angelo Mathews, played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s win, scoring 46 in his first T20 International appearance in nearly three years.   
Commenting on Angelo Mathews’ comeback Hasaranga emphasised the importance of experienced players like Mathews in the team.   

“Mathews has not retired from cricket, and he showed his exceptional batting performance under pressure on Sunday. We need players with Mathews’ experience, especially for challenging conditions and for the upcoming World Cup.”   

“The selectors and I believed that Mathews should be a part of the team for the World Cup, considering his impressive performance in the LPL and his previous involvement in the ODI World Cup. His recall to the T20 side was a strategic decision,” Hasaranga said.   

Hasaranga said that he doesn’t believe a player who has retired from cricket can seamlessly join the side and perform at their normal level.   

“I don’t think a player who retired can join the side and play his normal game immediately, especially with only a limited number of T20 matches available before the World Cup.”   
“With only about eight more matches to play before the T20 World Cup, we are aiming to build a winning confidence by consistently playing good cricket before heading into the World Cup,” Hasaranga said.