MUMBAI: Sri Lanka’s crushing defeat to India in the Asia Cup final will add to the team’s “motivation” in their key World Cup clash against the hosts, coach Chris Silverwood said on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka meet an unbeaten India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday after the two teams clashed in the regional tournament in September when the island nation folded for just 50 in a 10-wicket hammering.

The Sri Lankans come into the contest with just two wins in six matches and a previous loss to Afghanistan.

India have lived-up to their billing of tournament favourites with six wins in as many games and their latest thrashing of defending champions England.

“I’d rather hope that the defeat in the Asia Cup would give more motivation to the boys to come out and obviously fight tomorrow, show plenty of spirit and get stuck in to the Indian side,” Silverwood told reporters.

“They’re a very good side, we know that, we’ve seen them play some superb cricket this tournament so far. But I think it’s a good opportunity for our boys to show what they’re made of as well.”

Sri Lanka, who won the World Cup in 1996, return to the scene of the 2011 final when M.S. Dhoni-led India them at the Wankhede Stadium to lift the trophy.

“The boys are very aware of the history, to be honest. Obviously, players do talk about past history of their team as well and the results that they’ve had,” said Silverwood.

“But let’s be honest, it’s a great stadium. And when you are stood out in the middle, you get goose bumps. There’s plenty of things out there to motivate them to go perform in front of what will be a packed house.”

Sri Lanka’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals are hanging by a thread and a victory on Thursday is crucial to their hopes.

“All of us were very disappointed the other night after that result. That’s not to take anything away from Afghanistan,” Silverwood said.

“We had a very good chat in the dressing room afterwards, addressed some of the issues that we felt we had and then we’ve come here and we’re trying to put that right in practice now. So, we’ll be ready for tomorrow.”

CLASH NO CAKEWALK: ROHIT

India’s excellent run in the World Cup at home has increased expectations from their fans.

However, skipper Rohit Sharma on Wednesday stressed about the need to just look at the immediate match.

“You don’t think that far. You deal with the match on hand, try and play good cricket and then move onto the next match. We aren’t thinking about staying unbeaten and all. Every day is a fresh day,” Rohit told reporters in Mumbai.

Responding to a question about rotating bowlers and fielding an extra spinner, the captain replied, “The bowlers are in good rhythm and the feedback is that they want to keep playing matches. As for fielding three spinners, if the conditions demand then I have no hesitation in playing two seamers and three spinners. It all depends on the pitch and conditions.”

About the game against Sri Lanka, Rohit said they would not be taking the opposition lightly.

“We have seen various results and we cannot call them upsets as all teams compete to win. We can’t say this game [against Sri Lanka] will be a cakewalk. We will focus on our plans and try to win the game. As for the 2011 World Cup final, only a few players from that match are still playing. We deal with this game as a fresh challenge,” the Indian skipper said.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2023