Sri Lanka keep focus on present

Bangla Press Desk:  Sri Lanka will look to sharpen their edge rather than reinvent their game when they face Zimbabwe in Thursday’s final group-stage clash, with both sides already assured of Super Eights qualification.

Batting coach Vikram Rathour struck a calm but confident note on the eve of the match, insisting that execution, not opposition analysis, will decide the contest.

Zimbabwe have impressed throughout the tournament, particularly with a disciplined and varied bowling attack that has kept stronger line-ups in check.

Rathour acknowledged the threat but made it clear that Sri Lanka’s focus will remain inward, trusting their own processes rather than over-analysing rival bowlers.

“If we play to our potential and stick to our plans, we can handle any bowler,” he said, underlining the team’s commitment to clarity and consistency.

The clash also offers Sri Lanka a chance to build momentum before the Super Eights.

A likely meeting with England looms large, but Rathour dismissed any temptation to look too far ahead.

According to him, past results and future fixtures are irrelevant if standards are met in the present.

“We need to play with our standards, to our potential, to our standards, and if we can do that, and just focus on the game and not think too much about the past or future, we are fine,” he added.

The opening phase could prove decisive, with Rathour highlighting the importance of the powerplay on what is expected to be a responsive surface.

Whether batting or bowling, early control will be key, though he stressed that T20 matches are won by sustained pressure across the full 20 overs.

For Sri Lanka, the aim is simple: fine-tune their game, maintain intensity, and carry confidence into the knockout stages.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will be eager to test themselves against another heavyweight as they prepare for the next round.Source: daily Sun

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