By Revatha S. Silva and Ranjika Perera

[caption id="attachment_170174" align="alignleft" width="453"] Vinothen John: Sri Lanka likely to create an impact in the World Cup[/caption]

Sri Lanka, who have now recorded eight straight wins in the T20 format, since their 3-0 drubbing at the hands of the Proteas at home in September at home, have a “great chance” of making it to the T20 World Cup semi-final. This is the opinion of the prolific fast-bowler of the Sri Lanka team in the 1980s, Vinothen John, who later became a national selector and Manager.

“We have some tougher matches in the Super 12. But if we are playing in this way that they have played in the last one month or so, then they will have a great chance of making it to the semi-finals,” he told the Morning Sports yesterday (27).

Sri Lanka are to play Australia in their second Super 12 match of the World Cup competition today (28) in Dubai at 7.30 p.m. Sri Lanka time.

Pakistan the most balanced side

“We have a very good bowling attack yet our top-order batting will have to click consistently when we are playing tougher oppositions in the likes of Australia, South Africa (on Saturday, 30 Oct.), England (Monday, 1 Nov.), and the West Indies (Thursday, 4 Nov.),” added John.

“If we are to take into consideration the Pakistan side in this tournament, they can be rated as the most balanced side going by the results of the event so far. They have very good two, three fast-bowlers, a good spin attack, at the same time a highly dependable top and middle order batsmen,” he opined.

Reasons for Lankans’ revival

“Look at the way they beat India (by 10 wickets on Sunday, 24 Oct.). Despite India had played a lot of cricket in the same venues for over a month in the IPL (Indian Premier League) before coming into the World Cup, they were completely outplayed by Pakistan in their World Cup match,” he remembered.

The reasons why the Lankans are back in the winning ways?:

“Probably because Mahela (Jayawardene’s) influence. The team have got back their assurance and confidence too. The change of batting order during the tournament has made a great positive impact,” John said.

“If Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka are to show more consistency up in the batting order, then we will have a better chance,” he added.

Theekshana to play today

John, 61, played six Tests and 45 One-Day Internationals during 1982-87 playing as one of Sri Lanka’s main strike-bowlers taking over 60 wickets in the two formats.

Sources in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said yesterday that Maheesh Theekshana, who made a major impact for Sri Lanka in the spin bowling department and was rested for Sri Lanka’s first Super 12 match against Bangladesh on Sunday (24), will most probably play today’s match.