Injury-hit Sri Lanka make two changes for Zimbabwe game today

Sri Lankan players have a powwow ahead of practice in preparation for today’s contest against Zimbabwe

Sri Lanka’s batting consultant Coach Vikram Rathore

Zimbabwe Captain Sikandar Raza

Dushmantha Chameera (right) with fast bowling consultant Coach Lasith Malinga. Chameera is being rested for today’s game

Sri Lanka, hit by injuries to their bowlers, will make two changes to their playing XI for today’s final Group B match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup game against Zimbabwe at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium commencing 3 p.m.

Both Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe are through to the Super Eights of the tournament and this game will only be of academic interest, although it is vital for both teams to keep their momentum going for the next stage where the best eight teams will compete.

Left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka, who came in as replacement for injured Matheesha Pathirana, comes directly into the playing XI, along with right-arm seamer Promod Madushan, who replaces Dushmantha Chameera who is being rested. Both players will be playing their first match of the current World Cup.

Sri Lanka’s batting remains untouched, with Kusal Perera, who failed against Australia, being given another opportunity.

“We have had three good games. There were no issues as such with batting. We had some good games and not so good games. Now we are focusing on preparing well,” said Sri Lanka’s batting consultant Coach Vikram Rathore. “I wasn’t concerned about the results during the England series. We have played three good games and hopefully a few more to come.”

“Confidence goes with results. As players and as a team, you have to have belief and self-esteem is important. Even if Pathum (Nissanka) scores two zeroes, he is still a terrific player. That fact will not change. If we can keep that belief in ourselves we will be doing fine.”

“Pathum played one of the best T20 knocks you will ever see. It was the almost perfect batting knock. Kusal (Mendis) has been doing that for us time and again. Pavan (Rathnayake) was good too. Everything went to plan and it was a really good game. We have good players and certain days we have played to our potential and we need to be consistent. My input has been simple. Maximise your strengths. If there is a bad ball to be hit, hit it away whether it’s the first ball or the last ball.”

On Pavan Rathnayake’s game, Rathore said: “He has been a terrific player of spin, using feet well and creating angels. He needs to keep the intent going.”

Whether it was at Pallekele or the R. Premadasa Stadium, Rathore said the team had enough skill to adapt to the conditions. “Zimbabwe have played a really good tournament so far. They have a decent bowling unit. We need to play to our potential. We need to stick to our strengths. I am not too big into opposition bowlers. If we stick to those plans and if there is clarity then that’s what we want. We need to play to our strengths. We need to focus on the game and not think too much about the past or the future.”

For Zimbabwe, who failed to qualify for the last edition of the T20 World Cup, reaching the Super Eights stage has certainly been a tremendous achievement and a morale booster.

“Super Eights is certainly a tick in the box but it is certainly not the whole box we’ve set out for,” said Zimbabwe Captain Sikandar Raza. “It is just one of those things we have ticked on the box. We’ve got other things to achieve and everybody remains committed and focused for that. If we have to play with one leg and one arm tied behind our back we will do that. Whatever it takes to win the game, all of us are ready to do that.”

“Colombo, we had a very good game against Australia, and going back to Colombo playing Sri Lanka, who’s top of the table at the moment, it’ll be nice to play a very good game and try our best to win it and possibly finish the group stages as best as we possibly can or want to.”