JOIN USEngland batsman Joe Root believed they have not performed their best in the World Twenty20 but was pleased with the way his side has been finding ways to win.
“We've not performed at our best throughout the competition, which in a way is quite exciting because we know that's still to come. The really pleasing thing for me is we're finding ways of winning games,” he said.
“If we're being honest, we've not done one part of our game consistently well. At times we've bowled extremely well and at times we've batted well. When that comes together we'll be a very hard side to beat.”
Root admitted their approach was faulty against Afghanistan, where at one stage they were reeling at 85/7 and said they cannot afford to lose too many wickets in the must-win game against Sri Lanka. “Our approach might have been wrong in the last game and that's what we've got to set things right tomorrow. It’s about doing all those right things and learning from the mistakes we made if we are on a similar sort of wicket,” he said.
“We know it's a must-win game but it's been like that since we got here. You can only afford to lose one game, and even then you can crash out of the competition. The pressure's no more than it has been throughout the whole tournament.”
Sri Lankan batsman Dinesh Chandimal admitted the players have to put their hands up against England. “You cannot always say transition. We need to put our hands up. We will give our best shot in the next game. We are struggling with middle order. In big games, we don't have experience,” he said.
He, however, felt the conditions here favour Sri Lanka with their quality spin attack. "“England are a better side with good youngsters. But it's all about the conditions. Wankhede was a good pitch while this (Kotla) wicket is slow. So we will have a good chance.
“Rangana Herath is a world class bowler. He can cause damage. Even South Africa are struggling against spinners. Vandersay is a surprise package and Sachithra Senanayeke is also good,” he said.