Defending Champs Sri Lanka out to reign supreme in Asia
It’s been an incredible season for the Sri Lanka Emerging Cricket team. There journey started with a challenging tour of South Africa. They won 5 out of 7 matches and won the overall Championship.
After that they were able to beat Bangladesh on their home soil. Now they will battle for the ultimate prize in Asia, when they participate in the Emerging Asia Cup (EAC) commencing on November 14.
Chaminda Vaas
This will be the 4th edition of the tournament and Sri Lanka will be hoping to recreate history as defending Champions.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, head coach Chaminda Vaas expressed his thoughts on the tournament and the challenges the team is expected to encounter in Bangladesh
“Our preparations were halted due to the persistent rain, but we are confident about our chances in the upcoming EAC”.
The squad is a mixture of youth and experience and quite similar to the squad that was selected for the Bangladesh tour, where Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh 2-1 in the 3-match ODI series.
He also expressed his thoughts on their recent tour to Bangladesh. The former fast bowler went on to say their tour of Bangladesh was the ideal preparation that anyone could ask for, especially, leading up to an important tournament such as the EAC.
The team combination is an important aspect when it comes to a major knockout tournament. Vaas went on to say that it is important to accesses the conditions, before selecting the playing XI
Bangladesh conditions are considered to be batting friendly. Vaas expects this tournament will test the temperament of our fast bowlers and, at the same time, he said that it is high time the batsmen take responsibility to take maximum advantage of the batting friendly conditions.
Nuwan Thushara who’s action is considered similar to Lasith Malinga’s, has been omitted, as he is not up to standard. However, the coach believes he may have a great future ahead of him. This time the squad comprises 4 fast bowlers in Asitha Fernando, Shiran Fernando, Kalana Perera and Jehan Daniel.
There are 3 all-rounders in Ramesh Mendis, Kamindu Mendis and Sachindu Colombage.
He highlighted the need of a quality left arm fast bowler to create angles and take wickets at crucial times.
A left arm fast bowler is extremely valuable for a team. All the teams have left arm fast bowlers. We have Vishwa Fernando and Kalana Perera in the squad. You need to have the skill, and I believe we have a good set of fast bowlers at present, who need to be protected,” he said
Chamika Karunaratne who represented the National team in the Test Series in Australia, played during the South African tour as well.
The former fast bowler noted that Chamika needs to come back strong and perform consistently, as he regarded him as a future prospect of Sri Lanka cricket.
Pathum Nissanka, Hasitha Boyagoda and Minod Banuka are the openers and the trio will be rotated according to team requirement. Furthermore, he said the openers will play a decisive role, which will affect the outcome of the tournament.
Sri Lanka has been grouped alongside Afghanistan Pakistan and Oman.
He also warned his players against complacency and not to take any team lightly, as a minute mistake can cost them the tournament.
Charith Asalanka will be captaining Sri Lanka and his coach praised him for maintaining unity, and believes he will lead the National team in the near future.
“Asalanka is a proactive captain and has been leading the team well. He has the ability to maintain unity within the team. That is very important in a team sport,” Vaas said.
“It is going to be a tough tournament for everyone. Expectations are very high, as we are the defending Champions, and I urge all the players to play with freedom. Take one game at a time. I am confident about my team. It is our responsibility to show the Spirit of the lion. If we play to our capabilities, we will return to Sri Lanka with the ultimate prize,” he concluded.
Sri Lanka will start their tournament on November 14 against Oman
| There are 8 teams divided into 2 Groups, in the tournament. They are: Group A – Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Oman Group B – India, Bangladesh, UAE, Hong Kong Sri Lanka Emerging Squad – Charith Asalanka (Captain), Kamindu Mendis (Vice Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Hasitha Boyagoda, Minod Bhanuka, Ashen Bandara, Sammu Ashan, Nishan Madushka, Jehan Daniel, Asitha Fernando, Kalana Perera, Shiran Fernando, Ramesh Mendis, Amila Aponso, Sachindu Colombage | |