By Srian Obeyesekere
The five captains of the ongoing Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) big window, the 2024 Lanka Premier League (LPL) to boosting cricket in the country, fund the five captains facing the media as to their team’s progress and how they look to going forward on the eve of the third phase of the mega tournament shifting to Colombo when Jaffna Kings will take on Kandy Falcons at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium today at 7 p.m.
Expressing their views yesterday at the stadium auditorium were table leaders Jaffna Kings skipper, Charith Asalanka, second placed Galle Marvel’s, Niroshan Dickwella, Thisara Perera skippering Colombo Strikers, Dambulla Sixers Mohammad Nabi and young Kamindu Mendis deputizing for the indisposed Kandy Falcons skipper Wanindu Hasaranga.
While Jaffna Kings skipper, Charith Asalanka, who took over the big mantle from long time captain Tissera Perera who did a great job in winning the trophy for a record four consecutive times, expressed confidence that his side was indeed king sized heading the table to strike gold again. “As professionals we must know how to adjust to any situation particularly in varying ground conditions. I feel that batting second chasing is advantageous. I’m glad to see many youngsters having impressed as well as the form of several national players.”
Meanwhile, Galle Marvels skipper Nirishan Dickwella was buoyant that his side had won four of their five matches and was confident of going the final hurdle while emphasizing that his explosive starts had been the platform to gelling in match winning big scores set up by the rest of his batsmen. “I believe that the quick starts I have given has enabled the rest of the batsmen to go for match winnings scores. I’m glad that four wins from five has put our team in second place which has come from hard team work. I don’t think much of the two power blast overs and simply play my normal aggressive game.”
To my question as to his expectations of a recall to national duty on his current pleasing form, the former Sri Lanka wicket-keeper batsman said, “I’m not worried about it. If they (selectors) want let them pick me. I believe that my job is to focused on the cricket I’m playing.”
The burly Thisara Perera, now at the helm of Colombo Strikers, and looking very much in shape now as then when he played for Sri Lanka, was quick to comment that the LPL had proved to be a big window for local talent to making the mark to being counted on the international stage. “The LPL has certainly being a boon to young local players finding their way to making the mark on the international stage. As to our my team’s chances with the Colombo Strikers for this tournament I believe that if we win two matches we are in with a chance.”
As to the dictates of the toss and the weather, he said, “We cannot control the fortunes of the toss and neither the weather and it is up to us to adjust to the given conditions as professional cricketers.
Meanwhile, Dambulla Sixers skipper Mohammad Nabi, the Afghanistan all-rounder, who has been centerpiece to his country’s rising image on the international stage that culminated in one of his country’s greatest moments in cricket history in making it to the last four of the recent T20 World Cup, was expectant as to his team’s chances from two wins.
To a question as to the performances of young local boy Chamndu Wickramasinghe, Nabi striking a lighter vein, said, “He’s like a West Indian.”
After the first and second LPL legs at Pallekele and Dambulla, we are in a good position to lead the points table, said Jaffna Kings skipper Charith Asalanka yesterday. “My batsmen and bowlers have worked hard for our success and are eager to play the third leg today ) at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.” Jaffna Kings will meet Kandy Falcons , with the match scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.
Jaffna Kings skipper Charith Asalanka praised the emergence of young players during this tournament and the return to form of many National players, calling it a good sign for the LPL. “We had good wickets at Pallekele and Dambulla and expect the same in Colombo for the last leg. The bowlers faced a big challenge on these batting tracks but have done a decent job so far,” added Asalanka.
Kandy Falcons vice-captain Kamindu Mendis, who not long ago stormed his way to national recognition with some forceful batting performances, firstly expressed hope that ‘our skipper Wanindu Hasaranga will be fit for their first game in Colombo. It has been touch and go where we have lost close games in winning two and do look forward to going through. The form of Dinesh Chandimal has been pleasing and we are still confident. The power blast overs did affect our run chases. As to the toss, that is something we cannot control to batting second.”
