Tri-nation in West Indies: Angelo Mathews says underdogs Sri Lanka can surprise
Sri Lanka lost to India by eight wickets in the semifinals of the just-concluded ICC Champions Trophy in UK
- NDTVSports
- Updated: June 28, 2013 02:05 PM IST
Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews has described his side as the 'underdogs' ahead of the tri-nation tournament starting in Kingston, Jamaica on Friday. Sri Lanka open against the West Indies while India are the third team in the competition.
"We know we are up against two huge teams -- they are the current champions of the T20 and the 50-over World Cups. To match them we need to play some really good cricket and play to our strengths," said Mathews, who led Sri Lanka to the semi-finals of the just-concluded ICC Champions Trophy in United Kingdom. The Lankans lost to India by eight wickets in the semifinals at Cardiff. (Also read: MS Dhoni, Team India guard against Champions Trophy hangover)
Mathews will play his 98th ODI on Friday. In the absence of the injured Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mathews says the tournament will be an opportunity for youngsters. (Related read: The numbers game)
"We feel like the underdogs but I think I have the team to do well in this format and I have confidence in my players and my team. I am getting a lot of support from all the senior and the junior guys," Mathews said. (West Indies, Sri Lanka out to challenge champions India)
The tournament will feature seven matches in 14 days. Each team plays each other twice before the final on July 11 in Trinidad.