Adaptability will be the key against Pakistan: http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DPMD-Jayawardene-c1397 – Cricket News Update
Prior to his team’s clash with Pakistan in the upcoming semi-finals of the ongoing ICC World Twenty20, 2012, Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene has stated that his team’s ability to adapt quickly to different situations on-field will prove vital as they
gear up for the semi-final at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, on October 4.
“We have played Pakistan frequently,” Jayawardene said. “They have quality spinners but we also play spin well, so I am expecting a good contest.
“We have to strategise well and play to our strengths. We need to adapt, see how Pakistan reacts to our tactics and keep changing them during the match. Much will depend on how we react on the field.”
Sri Lanka hosted Pakistan for a tour earlier this year, which remained largely one-sided, with the host team claiming the Test series 1-0 (3), the ODI series 3-1 (5), and ending the T20I series on a 1-1 draw. However, both teams have yet to face each other
in the ongoing http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625 World Twenty20.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755, on the other hand, breezed through the group stage,
winning both of the matches they played, and while they suffered an 8-wicket defeat at the hands of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 and Australia saw them qualifying for the knockout stage.
Spin bowling has been among the key strengths of both teams in the tournament so far – Sri Lanka has played young spinner Akila Dananjaya to great effect, in addition to veteran spinner http://www.senore.com/Cricket/BAW-Mendis-c1127 who has scripted a successful comeback (including a stellar
6 for 8 against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Zimbabwe-c3045) and is currently the third highest wicket-taker in the tournament.
Pakistan, in comparison, have also employed a young spinner in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746, and served as an effective foil to Pakistan’s
senior spinners http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mohammad-Hafeez-c76898.
While spin has served both teams well against the other sides in the competition, the effects might be nullified if they attempt to use it against each other. However, Jayawardene insisted that his team was prepared to tackle anyone Pakistan decided to play,
and aimed to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Adrian-Roger-Kirshaw-Pierson-c42135 to their plans.
“Whatever XI Pakistan puts out, we will have our homework ready,” the captain said. “My suggestion to the boys is to go out there and have a good time and play as per plan. We need to keep a clear head.”
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