Sri Lanka hopeful of clinching their sixth Asia Cup title


image-l79bckjgBhanuka Rajapaksa will be key to Sri Lanka in Asia Cup 2022 (PC: Twitter)

At a recent media conference, Sri Lanka Head coach Chris Silverwood and middle-order batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa seemed optimistic about the team's chances in the Asia Cup 2022. 

The six-team tournament will take place from 27 August to 11 September in United Arab Emirates (UAE). The biennial event will again hold importance, as it will serve as a precursor to all the teams participating in the T20I World Cup in October-November. 

Rajapaksa, who made his international comeback in the recent Australia series thinks it's a good opportunity for the team to secure the Asia Cup title in familiar conditions. 

The 30-year-old further added that his experience of playing in the IPL can prove to be beneficial for Sri Lanka. 

“The conditions here are familiar to Sri Lanka, and a lot of the guys have played in leagues here so that is good. We are competing with good teams, and we are confident of going to the second round and playing against India and Pakistan. The experience I am bringing to the team having played in the IPL, will also bring good energy to the team," said Rajapaksa. 


Chris Silverwood lauds players' attitude

The five-time Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka will be coming into the event with a newly appointed head coach Silverwood. 

The 47-year-old was successful in helping Sri Lanka win the recent ODI series against Australia while producing fighting performances in the other two formats.

Silverwood found the initial coaching experience of Sri Lanka Cricket to be satisfying and praised the players for their mentality to improve constantly. 

He also hopes the team will continue their rich form in the Asia Cup. 

“My experience with Sri Lanka has been excellent and I have made to be very welcome, and the guys are very open-minded and willing to learn so as a coach I could not as for anything more."


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