If Sri Lanka win, they will advance alongside Bangladesh but if Afghanistan win, they will confirm their place, leaving Bangladesh and Sri Lanka’s hopes hanging on calculations.
Sri Lanka all-rounder Dasun Shanaka acknowledged that his team will enjoy support from Bangladeshi fans in this decisive encounter. However, he made it clear that Sri Lanka are focused solely on winning.
“Every game is a big game for us, and every day is important when we step onto the field. Yes, Bangladeshi fans are waiting for us to win, but our goal is victory,” Shanaka said in the pre-match pree conference.
“We have to beat Afghanistan because they are a very good, high-quality team. It’s important for us to move forward by beating them,” he noted.
Respecting Afghanistan’s strength, particularly their quality spin attack featuring Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Ghazanfar, Shanaka stressed that Sri Lanka cannot take them lightly.
Speaking about the contest, Shanaka admitted it could turn into a battle of spinners.
“Yes, absolutely, it will be a spinner’s battle. They have a quality attack, but we are ready. We’ve faced them many times in the UAE, so we’re prepared.”
