“We need our own game plan for T20Is” – Dimuth

Dimuth Karunaratne speaks of Sri Lanka's form in T20Is

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Sri Lanka’s Test and ODI skipper, Dimuth Karunaratne, reckons Sri Lankans should play to their strengths and come up with their own game plan for the T20Is, without trying to match what other teams do.

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Sri Lanka has lost all T20I matches in the past 3 bilateral series, and are currently at 7th position in the ICC T20 rankings. 

“I think there is a huge gap between ODIs and T20Is. The execution must be precise in T20Is. Unlike 50-over format or a Test match, we don’t get time to bounce back from a mistake in T20Is. One mistake could cost you the game,” Dimuth said to ThePapare.com exclusively. 

The southpaw feels that the national team makes major errors in the shorter format. “Our batting line-up panics a lot. When comparing ourselves with other countries, We lack the power in batting. So, most of the time, we lose early wickets trying to get the maximum out of the powerplay. Players from other countries have the power and experience, yet they go with minimal risk except for a couple of players. They mostly try to hit the ball into the gaps along the ground. But we try to hit over the in-field. If KJP (Kusal Perera) or Avishka (Avishka Fernando) get a good start, it is then that we end up with a big score.”

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“Except for Lasith Malinga, the others lack the experience in bowling death-overs. We have to become sharp at it. Also in both ODIs and T20Is, our bowlers struggle to pick wickets in the middle-overs. If we can improve our wicket-taking, options we can win T20Is.” 

The opener felt that Sri Lanka has the talent that it takes to win T20Is. Dimuth has never played T20Is for Sri Lanka but remains a huge fan of the version. He also mentioned that all his opinions on Sri Lanka’s form in T20 cricket are in the point of view of a fan. “If we identify our talents and strengths, we can play T20 differently. We have played that game before. If we put aside how other countries play T20Is and try and hatch our own game plan, I think we can win Twenty-20 matches.”

>>ThePapare Cricket<<