Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | This series win a new beginning for us, says Dimuth Karunaratne

08/01/2019

Dimuth Karunaratne has agreed that Sri Lanka are looking forward to a new beginning after a long-stretch spanning 44 months during which their ODI form had struck a low point. Sri Lanka finally embraced a home series victory when they whitewashed Bangladesh 3-0 in the recently-concluded ODI series.

The celebrations at the R Premadasa stadium included customary fireworks following a huge win of 122 runs in the 3rd ODI. The series that was highlighted by veteran bowler Lasith Malinga’s retirement after the opening game, concluded with a season-defining win for the hosts. The final ODI was also dedicated to another veteran pacer Nuwan Kulasekara who too announced his retirement during the same time.

Sri Lanka had stepped into the elite World Cup 2019 as underdogs but emerged as the dark horses after a brave show at the tournament. On being asked whether it’s a new beginning for the team, the skipper said, "Yes[it is]. I think after the World Cup we had to start again, and this time, we have to find some new talents. We have a couple of tours both home and away and we are looking forward to giving opportunities to the players and find some new talents.

Karunaratne further expressed his intentions for the next World Cup saying, “We want to form the best 15 players for the next World Cup. We wanted to win and after a long time, we have won a series. And I think we need to celebrate it, and after that, we have a tough challenge against New Zealand and we have to focus on that. For now, we will be celebrating and from tomorrow we will focus on that."

The Sri Lankan skipper made no mistake in praising the contribution of the senior players in guiding him through the leadership role. "I speak to Angelo and Lasith all the time, they have given me support," he said. "I am still learning and I have a lot to improve in my captaincy. The players who have played plenty of matches have kept supporting me. They have given me suggestions sometimes and that's what I want to do, to involve everyone and do the right things. All the players and supporting staff have supported me and I am trying to do my job properly and trying to keep things nice and easy."

Their next home venture starts on August 14 when New Zealand tours Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series and a three-match T20I series.