Mahela's men ready
Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene said that his team were ready to put aside their disappointing defeat to Bangladesh in the last group match when they meet the spirited hosts in the final of the tri-nation ODI tournament at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today.
The Lankan skipper was also not much concerned with his top order batsmen's performance as well as his own poor showing with the bat.
"Not really (worried about lack of runs from the top order). As I had said before considering the challenges that we have been given, I think they did a good job. We had one bad game after a long time. This can happen in cricket. We just need to pull our socks up. We have quality players and I am sure that they will be up and ready for the big match," replied Jayawardene when asked whether he was concerned about his top order.
There was a lot of talking about the pitch and the weather and that is why many thought that the toss would be important for the teams but Jayawardene was not ready to focus too much on these issues.
"It all depends on how the morning stands and how the preparation has been for the wicket. Any wicket or any game is a challenge and no wicket is perfect. We like challenges but I just hope that the toss doesn't become a factor because it is very unfair. We should be playing a match where there is good competition between bat and ball," he said.
Praising the Tigers, Jayawardene said that the people in Sri Lanka would realise the situation why they lost the match against Bangladesh for second time after a four-wicket defeat in Bogra in 2006.
"It's not something unusual. People realise that we have been beaten by a team that played better cricket than us on the day. Credit should go to them," said the Lankan skipper when asked about reactions in his country after Wednesday's five-wicket defeat.
"Some of the Bangladesh players had great games, Mortaza (Masrafe) in bowling and Shakib (Al Hasan) in batting and we made a lot of mistakes and when you come across performances like Mortaza and Shakib's on such a day you are bound to lose. It was a bad day at office," he opined.
The right-handed batsman was also not bothered with his lack of form.
"I'm comfortable although I know that the big runs are not there. Unfortunately I have had a couple of good balls and got out. I am trying to stay longer at the wicket and working hard like I have been for the last ten years," said a confident Jayawardene.
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