Hopefully we can pull off a win: Kapugedera

Pallekele, Aug. 26: Sri Lanka’s stand-in captain Chamara Kapugedera on Saturday said the fighting effort in a losing cause in the second ODI against India here has given them the belief that they can still win a game in the ongoing series.

Kapugedera denied that the team was low on confidence. Instead, he said Sri Lanka finally have found some momentum for the first time in the ongoing series, what if they are yet to taste a victory against the Indians.

“I don’t think we are struggling. I think there is a good atmosphere in the team. The way we played we are having lot of confidence. Everyone is together and hopefully we can pull off one win. After the last game we believe that we can win. We played really well,” Kapugedera said on the eve of the third ODI here.

Unheralded mystery spinner Akila Dananjaya (6/48 in nine overs) infused life into the series, which has been panned by all and sundry for the lopsided contests starting with the Test matches to take Sri Lanka tantalisingly close to a victory.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s experience in pressure situations came in handy as he successfully anchored a tricky chase, guiding India to a three-wicket victory in the second ODI.

“Especially it was a fine effort by Akila Dhanajanya,” the Lanka stand-in skipper said.

“One hurdle we have to overcome and things will fall in line. We are disappointed to lose the last game. But we need to take all the positives from it as well. We don’t want to take any negatives. We need to take positives. Hopefully the guys will come up and do the job,” Kapugedera added.

Kapugedera will lead Sri Lanka for the first time in his career after Upul Tharanga has been banned for two matches following a repeat slow over rate offence.

“I have captained my school teams and I have captained Provincial and club teams. I have captained at every domestic competition. It is a huge honour for me to captain my country.

“I am really happy to get this opportunity,” said Kapugedera.

One hurdle we have to overcome and things will fall in line. We are disappointed to lose the last game. But we need to take all the positives from it as well. We don't want to take any negatives.

— CHAMARA KAPUGEDERA