Sri Lanka loves the challenge - Sangakkara
Legendary batsman Kumar Sangakkara believes Sri Lanka has the potential to create an upset when they take on South Africa in their ICC Champions Trophy Group ‘B’ opening match at The Oval on Saturday (3).
“Although on form, South Africa is the stronger team and is expected by the pundits to beat Sri Lanka quite comfortably, this is a Champions Trophy event and I know the Sri Lanka players love a challenge.
“They come into the tournament with far less pressure, which could be helpful. With their recent batting form and their ability to rise to the occasion of these events, playing a brand of expressive and explosive cricket, they will be believing they can pull off an early upset.”
The former opening batsman also believe Sri Lanka’s strong batting line-up will play a vital role in the final outcome of this fixture.
“The greatest strength though of this Sri Lanka team is its batting. This is where it is going to win games and this is why it will have been pleased to see it adapting well to conditions thus far.”
Sangakkara further noted that Asela Gunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal Mendis are two promising
They come into the tournament with far less pressure, which could be helpful
players although senior campaigners like Upul Tharanga and Dinesh Chandimal will need to strike early form.
“While Sri Lanka has some really exciting new batting talents in terms of players like Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal Mendis, both of who have great futures ahead of them, I still expect the senior trio of Upul Tharanga and Dinesh Chandimal to provide the bulk of the runs.
“Personally, I think Asela Gunaratne is an exceptional batting talent with the rare ability to bat with intelligence and awareness under pressure and to be the batsman to finish games for the team. He is going to be a player to watch in the middle order. ICC