Sri Lanka’s bowling attack is expected to improve with the return of mysterious spinner Maheesh Theekshana for his second appearance, against Pakistan in Hyderabad on Tuesday, after giving up what is now a Cricket World Cup record total of 428.
Naveed Nawaz, the assistant coach for Sri Lanka, said, “I think he ought to be available for this game.” “Clearly, we didn’t want to take a risk with him in the first game and didn’t want to go with the advice of the medicals so I’m sure he’ll be available for this one,” he stated.
Nawaz thought Theekshana’s inclusion will strengthen Sri Lanka’s offensive potential and help the team as they try to recover. “I believe that our bowling attack will also be quite a bit stronger. The only way I can think of to restrict the game is with a plan to take wickets up front. It would be very challenging to contain when you don’t take wickets, he warned.
Theekshana’s availability will help the struggling SL offense
“I believe there will be a good fight. The borders are marginally longer than those of Delhi. It will be at least 65 meters all the way around the ground, in my opinion. In Hyderabad, the wickets have been excellent. Runs have been produced. It has some bounce, which is excellent for batting, I suppose. Therefore, I anticipate it to be a good match between two good teams. Our boys also find it difficult, he remarked.
“We’ve got to look at what we did in the match against South Africa as a whole and how we could have dragged back probably 50 – 60 runs and then observe what we could have done better which we already accomplished and then keep the group positive is what’s most significant because it’s an extended tournament,” Nawaz responded when asked how the bowling team might rebound. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain a positive attitude, learn from each game, and advance. Easy as that, I suppose.
In an otherwise unremarkable game, Sri Lanka was encouraged by the under-fire captain Dasun Shanaka’s return to form, who scored 68 and won over the locker room.
Oh, sure, it has been concerning for all of us to hear that Dasun is was not included in the runs and that he has experienced a few health concerns. We are all quite happy that he has scored runs and is also improving with his tennis elbow, said Nawaz.