Sri Lanka is constructing a sturdy all-round T20 facet with a wealthy mix of kids and skilled gamers as they dream of profitable the 2026 World Cup on house soil, former white-ball captain Dasun Shanaka has stated.
Shanaka, who led Sri Lanka to victory within the 2022 T20 Asia Cup, was changed as captain by Wanindu Hasaranga in December following the workforce’s poor exhibiting within the final three white-ball World Cups.
Hasaranga couldn’t information Sri Lanka past the group stage on this 12 months’s T20 World Cup because the island nation, which gained the title in 2014, failed to succeed in the semifinals for the fourth successive time.
Forward of the 2026 version which will probably be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India, nevertheless, Shanaka expressed optimism.
“We’re constructing an excellent workforce. The perfect ones like Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama and some all-rounders are coming via the ranks,” Shanaka informed Reuters.
“We’re growing a brand new facet and on the identical time we now have expertise… We’re a superb all-round facet. I’m positive we now have an excellent probability, particularly enjoying in India and Sri Lanka.”
Having performed greater than half of his T20 matches batting at quantity six since his debut in 2015, Shanaka is hoping to maneuver larger up the order.
“I miss enjoying lengthy innings, I need to rating centuries however my place typically asks me questions,” Shanaka stated.
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“I batted at quantity 4 within the ZimAfroT10 and I’ve been successful on this event… Within the nationwide facet, typically I bat deep down the order, which doesn’t enable me to bat for a protracted interval.”
The 33-year-old captained the Harare Bolts within the ZimAfroT10 and featured within the league’s workforce of the season having completed among the many prime run-scorers.
“I’m completely satisfied that I’m now getting an opportunity to bat a bit excessive within the order for Sri Lanka. From the workforce’s perspective, profitable a World Cup is my dream,” he added.
Shanaka stated captain Dhananjaya de Silva and coach Sanath Jayasuriya deserve credit score for bettering the check workforce in a brief time frame.
“Earlier than going to England, we had the home first-class season. I scored a few a whole lot however sadly, I missed out on that tour,” Shanaka stated.
“I desperately need to play the lengthy format as a result of I’m good at that as properly.”