Sri Lanka’s cricket team recently suffered a crushing defeat of 83 runs in the second T20 match against Bangladesh, but coach Sanath Jayasuriya’s morale is still high.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Jayasuriya clearly said,
“There is no pressure, we just have to come back!”
Sri Lanka had performed brilliantly in the Test and ODI series, but while chasing the target of 178 runs in T20, their team collapsed for just 94 runs in 16 overs.
Jayasuriya said, “We have won the Test and ODI, now we have to finish the T20 series in a great way. Our batsmen have to play patiently, especially the top-3. The bowlers know what to do.”
He believes that if one batsman settles down, the game can change. He also said that there is no need to take pressure.
“There are ups and downs in cricket. We made mistakes in the last match, but now it is time to bounce back. The fans trust us, and we will not disappoint them.”
Jayasuriya hoped for a better performance from the batting unit.
“We have to perform well in all three departments. One of the top-3 has to stay for 15 overs, only then will things work out.”
On the other hand, Bangladesh’s assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin said that his team is full of confidence after the victory in the last match.
“The confidence of our players is high. We will try to play good cricket.”
Salahuddin also said that Bangladeshi players get under pressure quickly due to criticism, because they have no other option except cricket.
“The families of our players depend on cricket. If cricket does not work, it becomes difficult for them. But we are trying to relieve them of this pressure, so that they enjoy the game.”
He also praised captain Liton Das, but said that he needs to chill a bit more.
“Liton thinks a lot, which is good, but sometimes thinking too much is detrimental.”
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are now set to clash in the third T20. Jayasuriya’s team is desperate to make a comeback, while Bangladesh wants to maintain the winning momentum.
