New Delhi: Sri Lanka white-ball captain Charith Asalanka admitted that it was disappointing to miss out on a Champions Trophy berth but said that the upcoming tour of New Zealand is of utmost priority for them to regain respect on the international stage.
Sri Lanka are scheduled to play three T20Is and as many ODIs before locking horns with the Kiwis in the two-Test series. The first T20I of the white-ball leg will be played in Mount Maunganui on Saturday.
The eight-team Champions Trophy 2025 will be played from February 19 in Pakistan and Dubai but Sri Lanka are not part of the marquee tournament due to their poor outing in last year’s ODI World Cup in India.
As the host nation, Pakistan secured automatic qualification for the tournament, while the remaining seven spots were determined by team performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where a top-eight finish was required. India were the first to qualify, followed by Australia and New Zealand. In a surprising turn, Sri Lanka, a traditionally strong team, failed to qualify after finishing ninth.
“I think, to be honest, it’s a little disappointing about missing the Champions Trophy, but it doesn’t matter to think about the past. We have to accept the past and we have to go in with that good process. Right now we are going on and the way players, supporting staff and our coach are going, I think it’s a good way, and we have to keep moving and keep performing,” Asalanka told IANS ahead of the New Zealand series.
Sri Lanka are unperturbed over their past struggles and remain upbeat for the new challenges ahead, starting with the New Zealand tour. The all-rounder said winning the series against the strong New Zealand side in their home conditions is their prime goal.
“Our goal is to win this series. We all know that New Zealand is a tough and good side and I think as captain I just want to get 100 per cent from the players and I just want to make them free and make them happy to perform under any pressure situation or any kind of situation,” he said.
“I think that’s my role and the other thing is mainly that I would love to lead from the front as a batsman and would love to score runs,” Asalanka added.
Sri Lanka captain also lauded the strength of their squad, which features consistent performers including Wanindu Hasaranga, Pathum Nissanka, Kusam Mendis and Maheesh Theekshana.
“I think there are not many new players but the players who are playing recently for the country, such as Wanindu, Maheesh, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. We got few key players, but I think as a captain, the 15 of the bunch are really strong and they are in good form,” he said.
Sri Lanka won the ODI series 2-0 against New Zealand in Pallekele last month, while the two-match T20I series ended at 1-1. Asalanka feels that execution will be the key to outclass Kiwis in their home. IANS
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