World Cup 2019: Perera aims to take early wickets in Pakistan encounter
The Sri Lankan all-rounder said that his side is aware of the fact that Pakistan did struggle against short-balls in the opening game
June 06, 2019
BRISTOL: Sri Lankan all-rounder Thisara Perera has said that Pakistan is a dangerous side and it is important for his team to get early wickets to stop Pakistan from posting a good total in their world cup match on Friday.
Talking exclusively to geo.tv at County Ground Bristol after his side’s practice session, Thisara said that having played alongside Pakistan players in Pakistan Super League gives him an idea of how to handle Pakistan in the middle.
“We have been analyzing,” he said when asked about how he sees Pakistan as an opponent.
I have played with them so many times in PSL and so many leagues so I think I have the right idea of what we have to do,” said the 30-year-old all-rounder who has represented Sri Lanka in 156 ODIs, 79 T20Is and 6 Tests.
Talking about Pakistan’s unpredictable nature, Perera said that there is no doubt that Pakistan can become a threatening opponent on any given day. However, he went on saying that Sri Lanka also has good cricketers in the lineup.
“We all know they have a good bowling lineup so I think we will prepare for that today and I think hopefully we can do something special tomorrow but every team has different players so it'll depend on the situation. Pakistan is a very good team so when they click it is very good for them,” he said.
He added that it is important to take early wickets against Pakistan anticipating a high scoring match.
“Every team is dangerous, in their top order. So we have to take early wickets. Because this ground is small so it may be a high scoring match tomorrow. So we will do our best for tomorrow,” Perera said.
The Sri Lankan all-rounder said that his side is aware of the fact that Pakistan did struggle against short-balls in the opening game against West Indies and bowling short-balls to Pakistani batsmen is among plans set by Sri Lanka for Friday.
“Bowling short balls is one of the plans. It depends on the wicket. Sometimes the wicket is very good for batting,” he said.
“We are struggling with our batting unit. So hopefully we can do better tomorrow than our last two games,” Perera said about his side’s problems.
