SRI LANKAN BAGGAGE EXPOSED

DEFEATS FORCE CHANGES IN TEAM WITH VICTORY SHIELDING NON-PERFORMERS

- By CHAMPIKA FERNANDO IN DUBAI

Sri Lanka walk into Abu Dhabi on Tuesday with no safety net left. Their Super Four clash against Pakistan is, in every sense, a must-win. Another slip, and their hold on the Asia Cup T20 crown will be gone.

Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya did not sugarcoat the stakes after Saturday’s four-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in Dubai, a loss that exposed flaws in both selection and execution. “It’s a must win for us and we all know how important this game is,” Jayasuriya said. “We are looking at two changes to the XI but will make that call once we reach Abu Dhabi.”

Those changes are expected to target two underperformers. Dunith Wellalage, ineffective in his two outings, is likely to be replaced by specialist spinner Maheesh Theekshana. At No. 3, Kamil Mishara’s lean run has opened the door for Kusal Janith Perera to return to the pivotal slot. Chamika Karunaratne and Janith Liyanage are also in contention as Sri Lanka weigh bowling depth against batting stability.