Sri Lanka keen to do well

March 14, 2012 06:01 pm | Updated March 15, 2012 02:15 am IST - Dhaka

Backs to the wall and the trickle of nervous sweat is a familiar situation for the Sri Lankans and Mahela Jayawardene reiterated this point ahead of his team's do-or-die Asia Cup match against Pakistan.

Having lost to India by 50 runs here on Tuesday, Sri Lanka has to defeat Pakistan to stay afloat in the tournament.

The situation is akin to what Sri Lanka dealt with during the recent Commonwealth Bank Series in Australia.

“We have been in these situations before and it is a good stage to be in because your performance decides your progress. It is entirely in our hands and I like that.

“We made a few mistakes in the game against India and we should not repeat them,” Jayawardene said.

The skipper, however, will be hamstrung by the fitness news emerging from his dressing room.

“Angelo Mathews went through a few fitness tests over the last couple of days and he did not pull through. “He will be flying home and try and get fit in time for the Tests (against England) that will begin in 10 days.

Lasith Malinga bowled with an injury in the last two games in Australia and we will watch how he bowls at practice and take a call ahead of the match,” Jayawardene said.

Eranga replaces Mathews

Meanwhile, late in the evening, the Sri Lankan selectors named fast bowling all-rounder Shaminda Eranga as Mathews' replacement in the squad.

Saeed Ajmal's ruminations over the teesra and his wicket-taking ability was also discussed in the press conference and a smiling Jayawardene said: “What is it called? It is difficult to keep track of deliveries these days. Finally they are all the same and it is about how you adapt to them. When we last played against Pakistan at Dubai, we had our ups and downs against Ajmal. Pakistan also have Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi and it is a good bowling unit.”

Asked about the ideal score on the pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Jayawardene replied: “Well you cannot really say, as it all depends on the conditions and the surface. I thought 320 was enough at Hobart!”

Pakistan did not have a pre-match media briefing, though coach Dav Whatmore told a television channel back home that he was happy with his team's preparations.

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