Sri Lanka’s bowling attack is expected to improve with the return of mysterious spinner Maheesh Theekshana for his second appearance, against Pakistan in Hyderabad on Tuesday, after giving up what is now a World Cup record total of 428.
Naveed Nawaz, the assistant coach for Sri Lanka, said, “I think he should be available for this game.” “Obviously, we didn’t want to take a risk with him in the first game and didn’t want to go against the advice of the medicals so I’m sure he’ll be available for this one,” he stated.
Nawaz thought Theekshana’s addition would strengthen Sri Lanka’s offensive potential and help the team as they try to recover. “I believe that our bowling attack will also be a little bit stronger. The only way I can think of to contain the game is with a plan to take wickets up front. It will be very challenging to contain if you don’t take wickets, he warned.
Since they recently played each other in the Asia Cup, their opponents, who have been at Hyderabad for more than a week, will be opponents Sri Lanka is familiar with. The longer boundary sizes compared to Delhi will help a good contest, the coach believed, even though Pakistan will have a better acclimatization to the
“I believe Pakistan to be a formidable foe. The only advantage we have is that we recently played Pakistan in the Asia Cup as well, so both teams are quite familiar with each other’s advantages and disadvantages.
“I believe there will be a good fight. The borders are marginally longer than those of Delhi. It will be at least 65 meters all the way around the ground, in my opinion. In Hyderabad, the wickets have been excellent. Runs have been produced. It has some bounce, which is good for batting, I suppose. Therefore, I anticipate it to be a good match between two good teams. Our boys also find it difficult, he said.
“We’ve got to look at the execution in the game against South Africa and how we could have pulled back probably another 50 – 60 runs and then see what we could have done better which we have already done and then keep the group positive is the most important because it’s a long tournament,” Nawaz responded when asked how the bowling team might rebound. “For more than a month, you’ll be playing, traveling, and doing a lot of other things. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain a positive attitude, learn from each game, and advance. Simple as that, I suppose.
In an otherwise forgettable game, Sri Lanka was encouraged by the under-fire captain Dasun Shanaka’s return to form, who scored 68 and won over the locker room.
Oh, yes, it has been concerning for all of us that Dasun was not included in the runs and that he has experienced some injury concerns. We are all extremely happy that he has scored runs and is also improving with his tennis elbow, said Nawaz.