Lasith Malinga
Hats off to passionate cricketers.
Published: Fri 14 Sep 2018, 3:26 PM
Updated: Sat 15 Sep 2018, 8:32 AM
Lasith Malinga's return has galvanised Sri Lankan fans, but it remains to be seen if the veteran fast bowler still has what it takes to bowl those toe-crushers in international cricket.
Since the retirement of their three giants - Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Tillakaratne Dilshan - Sri Lanka has struggled to make an impact in one-day cricket.
They suffered a whitewash against Pakistan in their last one-day series in the UAE. They even lost to South Africa recently - their first series defeat to Proteas at home.
Their only ODI success came in the tri-series against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in January this year.
So, a good run in the Asia Cup in the
UAE will help restore faith in Angelo Mathews's team.
Even their most staunch supporters don't expect them to lift the trophy in Dubai on September 28, but they deserve a spirited performance from the team.
These group of talented cricketers have struggled to live up to expectations, but they have the experienced Mathews to guide them.
Of course, senior players like Upul Tharanga and Dinesh Chandimal will have a big role to play.
If they get off to a good start and qualify for the Super Four with ease, India and Pakistan, the top guns, will have a fight on their hand to set up the dream final everyone in these shores have been waiting for.
Sri Lanka team's fans will be hoping that the 35-year-old Malinga, whose last ODI came in September 2017, will roll back the years to shatter the dreams of India and Pakistan fans and give this proud cricketing nation a much-needed major triumph.