Kumar Sangakkara came in support of Sri Lankan team before the World Cup

New Delhi (IANS). Legendary cricketer and former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara believes that the current team has the potential to go far in the World Cup campaign to be held in India, provided the bowlers take early wickets with the new ball.

The team that won the 1996 World Cup was the runner-up in 2007 and 2011.

Now in the year 2023, it will start its World Cup-2023 campaign against South Africa at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on 7th October.

That team is none other than Sri Lanka. Which had to face a shameful defeat in the Asia Cup final against India.

However, no other team would make the mistake of underestimating Sri Lanka as they reached the Asia Cup final without many of their key players.

India defeated Sri Lanka by ten wickets in the final at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. However, Dunith Velazquez and Mathisha Pathirana bowled impressively while defending the low score.

“I think Sri Lanka have the squad to win those difficult matches. The team’s batting is strong and we need really fast batsmen to support the spinners,” Sangakkara said in an email interview to IANS, powered by Meta-11 platform. “There is a need for bowlers, who have been doing a great job recently. If the opening bowlers can get early wickets, Sri Lanka has a chance to progress in the World Cup.”

After finishing tenth in the World Cup Super League, Sri Lanka missed qualification and had to play in the qualifier tournament held in Zimbabwe in June–July this year. At the competition, they won all eight of their matches to qualify for the main event along with runners-up Netherlands.

Sangakkara said, “Sri Lanka won the T20 World Cup in 2014 and will win the Asia Cup in 2022 despite strong opponents. Even in the current Asia Cup, Sri Lanka is on top of the Group B table. So, Sri Lanka as a country has strong talent and I am confident that the team can build on it from the grassroots level.”

When asked whether it is now possible for cricketers to play in all three formats of international matches.

He said, “It is definitely possible. But, there needs to be a balance. We have seen some players across all three formats taking a break for a few games and I think that is very important. It helps them to get fresh and come back.” “This obviously also reduces the chance of injury in the long run.”

Sangakkara also praised the Sri Lanka women’s team for their performance this year.