The Sri Lanka Skipper Dasun Shanaka speaks up on the game strategy for his team in the Asia Cup 2023 finals, saying they need to pick up India’s top-order wickets as soon as possible.
Dasun Shanaka’s strategy for Asia Cup finals
India is scheduled to play against Sri Lanka in the finals of the Asia Cup on September 17 Sunday at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. India had a victory against Sri Lanka in the Super Four matches of the continental event, Dasun Shanaka wants to change the gameplan for the finals.
Speaking at the pre-match conference, he said that they are ready for the final clash in the Asia Cup finals and the playing 11 will be selected based on the conditions of the given day and pitch conditions.
“Of course we are ready,” Dasun Shanaka said. “Totally depends on the pitch. The pitches have been playing a big part in the tournament, so we have picked up sides accordingly. Bowling against India, we need to take more wickets upfront, and that will open up the game for us,” Shanaka said.
He said that they are peaking at the perfect time and their team is looking forward to play for the country and winning the title.
“We are peaking at the right time. The boys want to deliver for the country. We have been the underdogs and everybody wants us to perform in the big tournaments. The young boys are trying to prove themselves,” Shanaka said about his team.
“Playing 2 finals in 2 years is special. I get messages from fans that ‘why are you giving us a heart attack’,” said Dasun Shanaka ahead of finals in the Asia Cup.
During the Super Four match, India emerged victorious with 41 runs. Dunith Wellalage was impressive in the match as he had a five-wicket haul and top scorer for Sri Lanka to win the Player of the Match award.
Sri Lanka has an impressive record in the Asia Cup by making up 12 times into the finals and winning six times. Dasun Shanaka has played a total of 6 games in the continental event of 2023 scoring only 54 runs. Despite his low scores, his leadership served as a key in taking Sri Lanka to the finals. His had his consecutive 11 victories with the victory against Bangladesh in the Super Fours. But their winning streak came to an end after the match against India.
He spoke about his batting performance in the continental event and said, “I don’t compare my batting when I go to lead the team. My decision-making is more important than being a batsman in the middle. I don’t say that batting is not important, but at the same time, I need to forget all the things that happened with the bat.”
“I need to be calm and cool whenever the decisions should be taken. I must be thankful to the selectors for keeping trust in me and also backing me and my coaching staff for giving me the confidence to be the leader to deliver the maximum out of me, so I am very grateful to them,” said Shanaka.
Dasun Shanaka’s captaincy has given Sri Lanka a chance to add an Asia Cup title to draw with India for most titles.
