New Zealand, Bangladesh and Pakistan have just got done playing a tri-series, Australia and England have been in action against each other, and South Africa have recently wound down a series in India. Sri Lanka, though, have been somewhat idle since their men’s Asia Cup win more than a month ago.
The Asia Cup win, with India and Pakistan, among others, in the fray makes Sri Lanka dark horses for the T20 World Cup in Australia, but is there a thought that their preparations have been less thorough compared to the other top sides?
Just before the Asia Cup, Sri Lanka had hosted Australia and Pakistan in quick succession.
“Coming into a big tournament like this, we need to be prepared. So, of course, we would have missed the opportunity of playing international cricket,” Rajapaksa said. “But sometimes that happens, with the coordination between the cricket boards. But we are quite happy with how we have prepared, and it’s just a matter of time until we face the first ball against Namibia.”
“For me, I’m preparing how I want to become the Man of the Series in this World Cup. It will all come with the hard work that we’ve put in. Hopefully I’ll be able to achieve that”
Bhanuka Rajapaksa
In Geelong, where Sri Lanka will play Namibia, UAE and Netherlands in the first round, the tracks are expected to be bouncy, and the weather cold.
“It’s much chillier than we expected it to be, but we can’t control things which we can’t control,” Rajapaksa said. “We are getting used to it, and hopefully it will not be too bad for us when out on the field.
“It’s just a bit difficult when you feel the ball – that’s about it. But other than that, I think the team is prepared to face it.”
“For me, I’m preparing how I want to become the Man of the Series in this World Cup,” he said. “It will all come with the hard work that we’ve put in. Hopefully I’ll be able to achieve that.”
