Sri Lanka look to switch the table and get back to winning ways: Lasith Malinga

Sri Lankan cricket is presently in the transition phase and is yet to see a new dawn despite some flashes in between. Going into the fourth ODI, Sri Lanka’s first target would be to halt India’s juggernaut and keep their hopes of a direct qualification for the World Cup 2019 alive. The task, however, mountainous it might appear could be achieved since Sri Lanka has nothing to lose from here and will look to play with the all or nothing attitude.

Unavailability of players has made Sri Lanka’s task even more difficult with stand-in skipper, Chamara Kapugedera being latest to the list. With his unavailability, the baton of captaincy has now been handed over to struggling pacer Lasith Malinga, who wants to turn the table for his team.

Team has the ability to contradict populous mindest

On the eve of the encounter Malinga addressed the media and firmly said that his team has the ability to turn things in their favor. “At the moment, we have lost a few matches. But I still feel we have good young players and a few experienced players. This is the time we have to stand up and give confidence to young players, that we’re still good enough to play international cricket. People think we are not top of the table, but I feel we can change that,” he said.

“I don’t recognize pressure. If there is the pressure that means you don’t know what to do in a particular instance and you don’t have the ability to do what’s required. The team and I have to build a mentality whereby we don’t feel pressure,” the Lankan skipper added.

The host will be hoping that their performance galvanizes Sri Lankan cricket, which is seeking a new dawn. Malinga has a tough task on his shoulders and he wants to lead the team from the front.

“I want to do my best for my team and for the youngsters. Now the nation is looking forward to the next match. We want to win these two matches. That’s why I want to use my experience and give all the confidence to the young players,” said Malinga of this turbulent situation.

No shortage of skills

Execution seems to be the main worry for a side like Sri Lanka and Malinga believes that team doesn’t lack talent.

“There’s no shortage of talent and skill in our team, but there is a shortcoming in how we execute that. We need to fix our mentality. My main goal is to try and instill a mentality whereby players are able to deal with tough situations and persevere. If that is successful, we will be able to get a good result tomorrow,” he stated while interacting with the press.