Sanath Jayasuriya backs high-scoring chases, says trend is good for cricket

Sri Lanka legend Sanath Jayasuriya has come out in strong support of high run chases in white-ball cricket, saying the trend benefits the game as a whole. He made these remarks on Friday, October 30, 2026, at a jersey launch event for the Indian Softball Cricket League in Mumbai, where Maharashtra Super Strikers and Mumbai Royals unveiled their kits.

The comments came in the backdrop of a remarkable ODI moment earlier in October. On October 22, 2026, Sri Lanka successfully chased down England's total of 429 runs in a Tri-Series match at Rawalpindi, Pakistan. That chase stands as the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history, and it served as the natural reference point for Jayasuriya's views.

"It's very good to see that it's happening and players are getting runs on the board and chasing it, which is good for cricket. Teams and players are getting more and more confident, and that is the key. Anything is possible these days, and it is good to see that teams are putting runs on the board and even chasing, but I can see that is also putting the bowlers under pressure," Jayasuriya told reporters at the event.

He also addressed the evolving nature of the sport.

"It's been a lot of changes in the rules. New things have come up in cricket with new regulations, which are good for the game," he added.

Sri Lanka have been in strong form during the Tri-Series. They won two of their four matches in the tournament and qualified for the final against Pakistan, scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2026. Jayasuriya described the Tri-Series campaign as a confidence booster ahead of the team's white-ball tour of India in December 2026.

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What does Jayasuriya think about Sri Lanka's Tri-Series form and the India tour?

Sri Lanka's run to the Tri-Series final, combined with the historic 429-run chase at Rawalpindi, has given the squad considerable belief heading into a demanding tour of India. Jayasuriya acknowledged that the team's performances in Pakistan have lifted spirits within the camp ahead of that assignment.

"It's a good confidence (booster) for the Sri Lankan team, which is doing well before they come to India. The confidence is high, they are playing well, and I hope they will do well in India too. They are going to do well for sure, but away from India they have always looked to do well, and it will be a good series," he noted.

Jayasuriya also weighed in on India's recent ODI form, backing the side to perform well in the forthcoming series after their Test series against New Zealand.

"They are talented cricketers and are playing well. India has got the talent and is playing good cricket at the moment. There are quite a few Indian players who have been doing well. Good to see them. They are talented, work hard and are playing well."

What did Jayasuriya say about Abhishek Sharma's batting at Wellington?

India's Abhishek Sharma produced a stunning display in the third T20 International at Wellington, scoring 113 off just 38 balls, which included a century reached in 35 balls. India won that match by six wickets, and the innings drew widespread attention across the cricket world.

Jayasuriya was asked about Abhishek's performance and offered a measured but positive assessment of the young batter's all-round qualities.

"He (Abhishek) is an all-round player. You cannot say anything in specific is strong — he is an all-round player. He can play in any part of the park, so that is a good thing. He has a long way to go, but it is a good future for India. Let him play his natural game and let him do his work, and it will be a good investment for Indian cricket," the left-hander concluded.