Sri Lanka search for first win in sinking campaign

Nepali Captain Rohit Paudel believes a move to Florida and the skillset of his squad in the USA’s south-east point to a potential upset of Sri Lanka in their Men’s T20 World Cup meeting today.

Having watched the Sri Lankans drop their first two matches, Nepal travel to Florida refreshed, having enjoyed a week’s break after their opening defeat to the Netherlands in Dallas.

By contrast, the only reprieve for the Sri Lankans thus far has come from elsewhere in Group D. Table-topping South Africa’s win over Bangladesh in New York means Wanindu Hasaranga’s side still have hope of progress over the other three teams in the group, though a defeat to Nepal would extinguish any hope.

Paudel considers the team a good chance of ending Sri Lanka’s tournament tilt, invigorated by the break and other results across the tournament.

“The 20 teams are equally balanced. And our plan is just go out and express ourselves.”

“As a team we believe that we are going to win and the way we have been preparing the last couple of months, and the way we have been playing for the last year and a half, I think the belief is always there in their team.”

In preparation for the fixture, Rohit feels the break has given the side perspective, both on their more-favoured opponents, and the ability to assess match trends and conditions from the outside looking in.

“The gap (between games) is very good, especially to prepare ourselves as you can see after we lost against the Netherlands.

“It’s helpful for us, especially to prepare and adapt to this situation and I believe that we have utilised the sessions here and we are very well prepared for the game.”

Despite their slow start, Sri Lanka still come into the fixture as heavy favourites, with the craftiness of their spin-bowling group the clear strength earmarked by their opposing captain.

Looking to the threats of Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and the all-rounders ready to chip in, Paudel wants his men to attack in response.

“Sri Lanka have very good spinners who play all over the world, so as a bowling unit I think they are doing well. Basically, we need to tackle that part.”

“We want to go and showcase our talent in front of the world.”

On the other side, Sri Lanka hope the move to Florida will bring a level of clarity to their campaign, reeling from defeats in New York and Dallas. The side also fell to the Dutch in Florida in an official warm-up, though the side was heavily rotated for the fixture.

Sri Lanka fast bowling coach Aaqib Javed said teams across the groups have been forced to pivot in their plans having watched the tournament thus far, more so on a batting front, with teams waiting in the shadows in this tournament ambushing bigger opponents.

“I think honestly if you look at the pitch (in Lauderhill and reflecting on New York), you have to be very careful especially as better what to adopt, what to leave out and I think the best plan is to go out there and assessing the situation and the conditions are the key.”

“The beauty of this World Cup is that you cannot take easy to anything. We have seen some outstanding results from the Associate teams.”

Javed insists Sri Lanka’s best is enough to beat anyone at the tournament, though it will be handling the pressure, this time as clear favourites that will go towards proving their credentials.

“When you are playing any international game, there is always a pressure. But now the players and the batters and bowlers, they know that on these pitches you don’t need to try much. Just play the basic, basic game. Best plan to bowl on this pitch, they just hit the deck hard. That’s it. No experiments. 
(ICC)