Sri Lanka Expect Top Order to Fire
DN SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2009 SPORT Sri Lanka expect top order to fire MANOJ VATSYAYANA Dilshan, a middle-order batsman performing the Sri Lanka will be look- role of an opener remark- ing forward to impressive ably well. contributions from top- Dilshan has already order batsmen to make a been nominated for three big impact on the International Cricket Champions Trophy. Council awards — Crick- Sri Lanka failed to eter of the Year, Test Play- qualify for the semi- er of the Year and Twen- finals of the tourna- ty20 International Perfor- ment’s last edition in mance of the Year. India in 2006 and look Sri Lanka also have keen to turn around solid batsmen in skipper things this time with an Kumar Sangakkara, improved performance. Jayawardene and Thi- Consistency is Sri lan Samaraweera to Lanka’s main problem. capitalise on a They were always consid- brisk start, but ered unbeatable at home expect more from but have produced a most overs, and it’s our play big roles as they can others to set or Tillakaratne Dilshan mixed bag of results in responsibility to get the dominate any attack with chase a stiff tar- recent times, having lost big scores and bat through a wide range of attractive get. Jayawardene. Veteran to India twice, beaten Pak- the innings.” Sri Lanka strokes. Jayasuriya may be An encourag- off-spinner Muttiah istan once before losing to cannot afford to be incon- the oldest batsman at 40, ing piece of news Muralitharan, the world’s late India again in Monday’s sistent as they are in a but can overshadow for Sri Lanka is that their leading wicket-taker in and his side expect Tri-nations series in tough Group B with South youngsters with his pacemen, led by Lasith Tests and one-dayers, is as him to regain rhythm Colombo.
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