Sri Lanka's ODI Captain, Kusal Mendis yesterday expressed optimism before their match against Afghanistan, set to begin at Kandy's Pallekele Stadium today.
During a press briefing in Pallekele, Mendis stressed the significance of strong performances to enhance their ICC ODI Rankings, noting that rankings are merely numbers and success on the field could propel them upwards.
He attributed their recent drop in rankings to subpar performances, acknowledging the need for improvement.
Following their 3-0 victory over Zimbabwe, Mendis stated their aim to conclude the series against Afghanistan in similar fashion, highlighting the team's balanced batting and bowling line-up and their focus on winning each game to bolster their position.
Regarding the team composition, Mendis hinted at few changes from the Zimbabwe series, expressing confidence in Avishka Fernando and Pathum Nissanka as potential openers despite Fernando's recent struggles.
Addressing concerns about all-rounders, Mendis dismissed any perceived weakness, citing the abilities of Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, and Chamika Karunaratne.
Looking forward to future tournaments like the 2027 World Cup, Mendis emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent for the team's longevity.
Recognizing the challenge posed by Afghanistan, Mendis stressed the need for thorough preparation against a team with experienced players who have excelled in various competitions.
He emphasized the importance of minimizing errors and playing high-quality cricket to secure victory against their formidable opponents.
