Sri Lanka has already been out of the top-four race at the ICC World Cup 2019. But their batting all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva is optimistic to end their World Cup campaign on a high despite two of their games were affected by unpredictable English weather during the twelfth edition of the quadrennial event. Following a 23-run win over the Windies in Durham, de Silva is hopeful of turning their fortunes by winning their last league game against India on Saturday (July 6).
Following a nine-wicket loss at Leeds against South Africa, Sri Lanka had made a strong return against the Caribbean at the Chester-le-Street.
So far, in eight matches Sri Lanka managed nine points with four wins and three losses. Plus, they got two points from their washed-out fixtures against Pakistan and Bangladesh on June 11 at the Bristol County Ground respectively.
Earlier, the Lankans stun England by 21 runs at Headingley on June 21.
Sri Lanka capable of beating India:
Also, the 27-year-old de Silva feels they have got the potential to beat India to return home with their heads high despite having a mixed show at the ODI showpiece. The promising batsman de Silva, who’s handy with off-spin conceded that the Lions had done well in other ICC events against the Men in Blue.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka has suffered seven losses in the last eight One-day Internationals against India. However, their victory came during the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. Back then, they won the game on June 6 by seven wickets and eight balls to spare.
De Silva reiterated that if they could carry forward their momentum, they’re capable of beating India.
“We have done well against India in other ICC tournaments. And we have just beaten West Indies. So, if we can take that confidence and momentum into the next game then we can beat India again,” de Silva told repoters in the UK.
Also, having the eye on the last game, de Silva maintained they’re trying their best, and if they end up on registering an upset against India, then they have a chance to finish fifth on the World Cup standings.
“We are trying hard to win every game. And if we beat India then we can finish fifth,” de Silva said.
Mathews surprise de Silva with a ball in hand:
Soon after the previous game, Angelo Mathews also surprised de Silva while rolling his arm against the Caribbean. Interestingly, before this, he didn’t bowl for at least 18 months.
So much so, Mathews changed the game on its head by removing centurion Nicholas Pooran.
“Angelo put his hand up and he did the job,” de Silva said on Mathews.
Sri Lanka posted 338 for six following a splendid hundred from Avishka Fernando. Besides, Fernando also became third youngest to slam a ton in the World Cup.
Ireland’s Paul Stirling (2011) tops the charts with Australia’s Ricky Ponting (1996) second on the list.
In response, the Windies were restricted 315 at nine despite 118 off 103 from Pooran.