Thisara Perera wants Sri Lanka to go for series-clinching win vs India in Mohali ODI

Sri Lanka cricket team finally got something to cheer about when it won the first ODI vs India in the three-match series in Dharamshala. And the way the Lanks shocked the Rohit Sharma-led India has whipped up intrigue in the remaining matches, with the hosts looking to defend their home record.

As Sri Lanka stand on the cusp of a series win, skipper Thisara Perera expects India to bid for a strong comeback, but, at the same time, wants his players to give their best shot in the second ODI in Mohali.

“This is good opportunity to win the series and the first match is now done. I think, we can again produce something special and win this one and settle (the series in our favour) before the final match,” Perera said a day before the match.

Sri Lanka have made confidence-boosting start to the ODI series and it is not just about the victory in the opening match but about how they beat the hosts. Pacer Suranga Lakmal came out with a brilliant spell to bowl out India for 112, one of their lowest ODI totals at home.

Perera, with that performance in mind, said that despite being considered underdogs, his team is not being bogged down by pressure.

“I know my team and players,” said the skipper. “They are not taking pressure and myself and selectors have stressed and given everyone confidence to do their job. We can always celebrate after the match. Winning an ODI match after a losing streak of 12 is good, but now we need to look forward. Yes, India will come back stronger but if we play like we did in the previous match we can win the series tomorrow,” he said.

Despite Mohali being under a thick could cover, Perera, who is no stranger to Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium having played for Kings XI Punjab in the in Indian Premier League (IPL), felt the conditions will suit a high-scoring game.

“It looks like a good batting track and a high-scoring one,” said Perera. “We have to handle the situation with whatever we have. We will have to watch out how situation develops after first few overs and maybe even check with the curator.”

Perera said that he would like to stick to the winning combination and, apart from Dhananjaya de Silva, everyone else is available for selection.