Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka on Friday (26th August) said that he wants to win the Asia Cup 2022 for his country’s people as it would lift their spirits amid the economic and political crisis.
Asia Cup 2022 is set to begin on 27th August in UAE, with Sri Lanka taking on Afghanistan in the tournament opener. The marquee tournament was slated to take place in Sri Lanka but due to turmoil in the country, the event was shifted to the gulf country.
Talking about Sri Lanka, the island country has been in decent form. They defeated Australia in the ODI series at home and also drew Test series with Australia and Pakistan.
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They are placed in Group B along with Afghanistan and Bangladesh and if they play to their potential, it’s fair to say that they can be one team who will reach the final.
Speaking to the reporters ahead of the first game against Afghanistan, Dasun Shanaka said that cricket means so much to Sri Lanka people and they will try to win the title for them.
"The cricket always brings a different kind of vibe to Sri Lankan people, winning is the most thrilling thing. So we look forward to delivering for our country,” Dasun Shanaka said.
Shanaka said that playing the tournament at home would’ve benefitted them before adding that there are no favourites in T20s.
"Hosting this tournament in Sri Lanka would have favoured us more because the crowd support is there and playing in home conditions has a bigger advantage.
“When it comes to the favourites, India is a leading side at the moment but in T20 there are no favourites. On a day if we play good cricket, we can be the favourites as well,” he said.
Shanaka concluded by saying that he expects Wanindu Hasaranga to play a major role for them in this tournament. He highlighted that they have played good cricket of late and they are on the right track.
“Our main spinner Wanindu Hasaranga will definitely play a major role in this tour for us. We have played some good series in the last two-three months. What I trust the most is the process, so we are on the right track and hopefully we can clean the series here as well,” he said.
After their encounter against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka will next face Bangladesh on Thursday (1st September) in Dubai.
(AFP inputs)
