Perera confident Lanka will produce something special

MOHALI: Sri Lanka had finally something to cheer about when they won the first ODI in the three-match series in Dharamsala. The way the team shocked the hosts will certainly spice up things in the remaining matches, with India looking to defend their home record. As Sri Lanka stand on the cusp of a series win, skipper Thisara Perera said that though India will come back hard at his team, his boys will be ready to give their best.

“This is good opportunity to win the series. I think we can again produce something special and win this one and settle down before the final match,” Perera said on the eve of the match.

Sri Lanka, who drew two Test but lost the series after suffering an innings loss at Nagpur, started off well in the opening ODI with pacer Suranga Lakmal bowling a brilliant spell to curtail the hosts to one of their lowest ODI total of 112 at home.

Perera said that despite being the underdogs, his team is not under any pressure.

“I know my team. They are not taking pressure and me and the selectors have given everyone the confidence to do their job. We can always celebrate after the match. Winning an ODI match after a losing streak of 12 ODIS is good but now we need to look forward. Yes, India will come back stronger, but if we play like we did in the previous match, we can win the series tomorrow,” he said.

CLOUD COVER

Despite Mohali being under a thick cloud cover, Perera, who is no stranger to the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium having played the IPL for Kings XI Punjab, said he feels the conditions will suit a highscoring game.

“It looks like a good batting track. We have to handle the situation with whatever we have. We will have to watch out how the situation develops after the first few overs and, maybe, even check with the curator,” he said.

Perera said that he would like to stick to the winning combination, and apart from Dhananjaya de Silva, everyone else is available for selection.