\u201cThe WTC is like other World Cups \u2014 a lot of matches are like knockouts for us,\u201d de Silva said after the victory. \u201cWe\u2019ve talked about how we win when we make the fewest mistakes, and we need those wins to get those extra points. In the last cycle, we made a few mistakes, and that\u2019s what cost us. Hopefully, we can correct that this cycle.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sri Lanka, who are currently scheduled to play only a two-match series in this WTC cycle, relies heavily on the \u201cpercentage of points won\u201d system that allows teams with fewer matches to remain in contention for a top-two finish. De Silva underlined how the WTC had changed the mindset of his players.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s become a competitive trophy. We\u2019ve even started thinking about our run rates in light of what\u2019s happening. The Championship is a great thing for Test cricket,\u201d he said. \u201cWe saw last time how well South Africa did and how they performed well recently, and they deserved to win it. They hadn\u2019t won an ICC trophy, and the Test Championship meant a lot to them. As a country, they can value that highly.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But while Sri Lanka\u2019s Test ambitions remain high, their schedule paints a stark picture \u2014 the team is not slated to play another Test until May 2026. For their red-ball specialists, this presents a unique challenge.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe only have domestic matches,\u201d de Silva said. \u201cRight now there\u2019s a One-day tournament, and after that, there will be a three-day tournament. There\u2019s also the National Super League. That\u2019s how we\u2019ll have to keep our form. Unfortunately, there are no Tests. We\u2019ve made requests to SLC to play more Tests. I think they are talking about it with other teams. Even if we can play three or four extra Tests, we\u2019ll be able to continue the good things we\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
De Silva also shed light on the team\u2019s tactical evolution in the series against Bangladesh. Beyond scoring at a brisk pace, Sri Lanka\u2019s bowlers focused on building pressure with more maiden overs \u2014 an area the captain said they had specifically targeted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe only have domestic matches,\u201d de Silva said. \u201cRight now there\u2019s a One-day tournament, and after that, there will be a three-day tournament. There\u2019s also the National Super League. That\u2019s how we\u2019ll have to keep our form. Unfortunately, there are no Tests. We\u2019ve made requests to SLC to play more Tests. I think they are talking about it with other teams. Even if we can play three or four extra Tests, we\u2019ll be able to continue the good things we\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> LIVE Cricket Score<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n