We are going to comeback hard in the final ODI game against Afghanistan today said Sri Lankan Opener Pathum Nissanka at the final training session before the match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium yesterday.
We have game plans and it can change match by match while for this final game we have a special plan to win convincingly, said Nissanka.
We are focusing for the next World Cup in India next year and all these matches are very vital to get direct qualification and we are ready to work hard to achieve it, said Nissanka.
I am satisfied with my performance and I always want to give my best for the team and country said the young opener who has performed well in all three formats.
Fitness is very important for each player and we should know to maintain our fitness. I am working hard on my fitness with the support of my trainer, said Nissanka who is expected to play in the LPL after this Afghan series.
Going back to the start of my cricket career, I am very satisfied with my current position. When I come to open the innings with Kusal Mendis it is very easy to build up the innings. We have a very good understanding. Kusal Mendis is a very talented stroke player and I can learn a lot from him. When Kusal is at the non-striker’s end, I can easily do my job from the other end.
After one tournament we have to get ready for the next tournament and I have to adjust to all three formats. When playing in a match, we have to have the correct technique and adjust to all three formats – one day, T-20, and Test. I have learnt a lot from our batting coach Naveed Nawaz with his guidance and experience.
I had a leg injury at the last Afghan ODI on Sunday but it is now back to normal and hope to play tomorrow.
Especially, I have to mention my father. He is my hero who guided me as my first coach. He taught me the basics. I had my registration ceremony last Monday and I am very happy to begin a new life with my partner. However, as a National cricketer, I had to rush back to Kandy on the same day to join the team and this is our dedication to the team and country. My first priority is playing cricket. My new partner is keen to see my talent as a player and she always encourages me, said Pathum Nissanka.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka team is expected to make one change today and the game is going to be played on a new wicket which offers more turn to the spinners than in the previous two games. Dunith Wellalage the spin bowling all-rounder is going to play today’s game and he will replace the fast bowling all-rounder Dhananjaya Lakshan who played in the second one day on Sunday.
The Afghanistan team led by Hasmatullah Shahidi is getting ready to win the series today with a win in the final one dayer. Afghanistan already is assured of direct qualification for the World Cup in 2023 but they want to continue their winning form. The top order is in very good form for the Afghan side and that is a big advantage today while the fast bowling attack and the spinners, the experienced Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are in good form to put pressure on Sri Lanka today. This is going to be a battle between Sri Lanka batsmen and Afghanistan bowlers while the weather is going to be the deciding factor.
