Sri Lanka all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva hoped that the tips from batting legend Kumar Sangakkara will hold him and the team well during the Asia Cup and said that the return of pace bowlers Lasith Malinga will add a bit more bite to their attack.
Dhananjaya has been one of the new faces as the Sri Lankan team undergoes a period of transition following the retirements of their stalwarts Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. Dhananjaya, who turned 27 last Thursday, has played 20 ODIs and 17 Tests so far since making his debut in 2016.
And the man from Colombo said that Sangakkara's advice will help during the tournament which runs from September 15 to 28.
"Kumar Sangakkara met us in the past week and talked to us about his game and how to adapt to situations. This bunch has played together for two years so, I think we have a good team now," Dhananjaya said on the sidelines of a practice session at the ICC Cricket Academy on Wednesday.
It may be a fairly young team with a few seniors in the mix and while Dhananjaya said it will be a massive challenge, they are looking forward to doing well in the competition.
"It is a big challenge for us. We have a very young team and few of our senior guys with us. We are looking forward to the tournament and we will play our natural game," he said. Dhananjaya said that Lasith Malinga's comeback into the fold will give Sri Lanka an added edge on such pitches.
The 35-year-old Malinga, who last played an ODI exactly a year ago against India, has been recalled for the Asia Cup.
"He is our biggest strength in our bowling line-up so, we have a better chance of winning with him returning to the team," felt Dhananjaya.
Dhananjaya also said he was looking forward to making some runs during the Asia Cup and contribute to the team.
"I got some runs in the past few series and I feel like I have to keep on contributing for the team. The Asia Cup will be a chance for me to do that. We need to put runs on the board and put the pressure on our opponents," he said.
Sri Lanka are placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh and Afghanistan, while India, Pakistan and Hong Kong make up Group A.
Dhananjaya felt that all teams are well balanced and said each game will be a challenge.
"Both teams (India and Pakistan) have very good balanced sides like good batsmen, good bowlers, good all rounders. We also have a good team and I think all the teams are level. Bangladesh have a good side and are in form. Every team in every game is a challenge for us," said Dhananjaya.
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