The first T20 cricket match of the touring Sri Lankan team starting their tour of Bangladesh is now all set to start at the Shillet International Cricket Stadium in Bangladesh this afternoon .
The head coach of the Sri Lankan team, Chris Silverwood, has said that this T20 series will be more intense due to the equality of both teams. The head coach of the Sri Lankan team had expressed these views while speaking to the media yesterday (3rd) afternoon before the first T20 match.
Commenting further, the head coach of the Sri Lankan cricket team said: "According to me, everything that happened before is now a thing of the past. Accordingly, we should make plans for the future at this time. Also, it is more important in the background that we are currently preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Every country in the world .They are already preparing their best squads aiming for the World Cup and giving them experience. In the face of such a situation, Sri Lanka has got a precious opportunity to face such a crucial tournament. Also, since both teams have many talented players, we are sure that we will be able to see a very intense tournament."
Mr. Chris Silverwood also commented on the future plans of the team, "Before this tournament, we completed an excellent T20 tournament. Accordingly, in this tournament as well, we should make sure to further develop our game plans, make further progress as a team, and work with more dedication in the future. Also, on the way to the World Cup, the Sri Lankan brand should follow the style of play. it I feel that we should follow the highest style of play that we have on the eve of the World Cup."
Accordingly, Chris Silverwood, who commented on Sri Lanka captain Vanindu Hasaranga missing the first two matches, said, "Due to the punishment given to Vanindu, he will miss the first two matches. However, we have to face it and move forward. Also, it has created a valuable opportunity for other members of the team to show their skills.”
However, the head coach of Sri Lanka also said that losing the services of Pathum Nissanka is a big loss for the team. Also, in the last 8 or 9 months, Pathum has become a consistent performer among Sri Lanka's first-order batsmen. Also recent history he was able to launch some memorable innings in the ODI format as well as in the T20 format. However, I don't think it will take long to reunite with Pathum's team." He said.
Sri Lanka T20 captain Vanindu Hasaranga, who is facing a suspension, has been given the responsibility of captaincy in this match to middle order batsman Charith Asanka. In this match, right-arm pacer Avishka Fernando is also more likely to get a chance.
Accordingly, after today's match, the second and third 20-20 matches are scheduled to be held on the 6th and 9th respectively at Sylet.
Sri Lanka Squad - Wanidu Hasaranga (captain), Charith Asanka (vice-captain), Kusal Mendis, Sadheera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Mahish Thiekshana, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Janith Perera, Dilshan Madhusanka, Nuvan Thushara, Matisha Pathirana, Akila Dhananjaya, Binura Fernando, Kamidu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay.