Sri Lanka will yet again go into an Asia Cup final as the underdogs despite the game being played in Colombo. The hosts lost to India in the Super 4 match but their captain Dasun Shanaka believes the slow pitch at the Premadasa Stadium may help them.
Shanaka also stressed on the importance of taking wickets upfront against the Men in Blue on the Colombo strip.
He said, "See, it totally depends on the pitch. So the pitches have played playing a part in this tournament. So according to the pitch stats, we are picking a good side and, you know, especially bowling against India. And so we need to take more wickets upfront so that that opens up the game for us. So I think that's a key area in the game."
The defending champions, who like last year, started the tournament as underdogs, are peaking at the right time according to the skipper, "The boys deliberately want to deliver for the country. So, as a team, you know, we've been underdogs so everyone wanted to perform on the biggest stage. And these youngsters, need to show the world what they are capable of. I think that's the secret of these young people."
The Sri Lankan captain also downplayed India's loss to Bangladesh in the final Super 4 match, highlighting how the Indian team had made several changes before the dead rubber, stating, "They changed the whole team. I mean, the best players, they rested. So I'm not surprised it can happen to any team. Right. So India I know that they are the best, but still Bangladesh team, did their part in this regard. So as I mentioned before, the wicket played a part. We know how good India is when it comes to good tracks. So yeah, it's not surprising, but you know, it can be happening in world cricket."
India and Sri Lanka will lock horns in the summit clash on Sunday, 3 PM.
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