Team is heading in the right path – Upul Chandana
Sri Lanka fielding coach Upul Chandana expects the wicket in Dambulla would provide another high-scoring thriller as in Pallekele, where the hosts completely nailed Bangladesh to earn a comfortable 7-wicket win on Thursday. Speaking to the press yesterday at Dambulla ahead of today’s second T20 International against Bangladesh, the current sixth ranked side intends to repeat their winning spree against the world’s ninth ranked team.
“We intend to play the same game or a level up as we did on Thursday. We expect Dambulla wickets to be competitive and high-scoring as Pellekele, and an early win would provide the boys further confidence to perform better in the future games as well,” Chandana, a member of the 1996 World Cup winning side known for his electric fielding capabilities, told reporters.
Chandana had high praise to each member of the current Sri Lanka team captained by Charith Asalanka, who has navigated his side to a self-assured unit that is on the right track to delivering match-winning performers.
“As a team, we performed well in all three departments in the recent outings. For today’s game, we are well prepared,” said Chandana, revealing that Sri Lanka has improved during the past two seasons transforming back to the side that played the brand of cricket well known for.
“Looking back since 2023, we analysed on key areas needed to be addressed. Fitness was paramount and today we have managed to up the level to a committed side on the field. We performed repetition drills until perfection was achieved, and the biggest challenge was to boost the levels of fielding.”
“Players have improved and that’s the result of their commitment to improve. Our fielding level has improved compared to how we were. Yes, we have improved immensely. So has the bowling,” Chandana added.
The improving standards in all three department, according to Chandana, has created a healthy, yet challenging competition within the camp where each player committedly fulfill their given task during a game. That, he highlighted as the result that dragged Sri Lanka to a morale boosting win on Thursday.
“These are challenges that need to fulfill while enjoying the game. That’s happening now, with boosted confidence and the right attitude. Each player is committed to his given task, sometimes beyond the expected level. The entire credit should go to the players,” noted Chandana, who indicated Sri Lanka’s desire to earn a whitewash in the T20Is against Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka won the two-match Test 1-0 under Dhananjaya de Silva and followed with comprehensive 2-1 win in the One Day Internationals under Asalanka, who is keen to guide his side for another series sweep. Following today’s second game, both teams will travel back to Colombo for the third and final T20I on Wednesday.