World T20 semis: Why Malinga wants India … and India wants Slinga

By Allaam Ousman, from Colombo

 

Sri Lanka's opponent in the semifinals will be known only after Tuesday's Super Eight matches but with speculation that it would most likely be India, Lasith Malinga's credentials came under the microscope.

The Mumbai Indians’ star has come a cropper against India with Virat Kohli most famously taking him to task during the tri-series in Australia.

Ever since, the Indians have plundered Malinga for runs, ominously, especially so in the a warm-up game.

England, chasing 170, lost three wickets in Malinga's first over and the fast bowler completed career-best figures of five for 31 to take Sri Lanka into the semifinals along with West Indies.

England’s captain Chris Broad who was at the receiving end of Malinga’s devastating capability on Monday, grudgingly admitted that the Slinga was a big danger, but the IPL spectre may be coming back to haunt him.

"Yeah he bowled really well, full and straight. He showed the class that the IPL pay millions for him," said Broad.

Bristling at suggestions he underperforms against India although he removed Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar in the World Cup final in Mumbai last year, Malinga said: "I was not among the wickets in the recent past but I'm training as hard as I can.

“If they (selectors) feel I'm not performing well against India, I’m urging them to drop me and use someone better than me."

However, Malinga was determined to win it for the supporters who have been backing him.

A popular figure with spectators sporting his hairstyle and pictures emblazoned on their shirts, the Slinga is desperate to win a World Cup before he ends his career.

"All the people want us to win this tournament. They have been cheering our side. I also believe we need to win this tournament.

“During my career I have not won a World Cup. This is a good opportunity for me to win before ending my career. All the people watching are happy and we want to make them happy by winning the tournament," he said.

Mahela Jayawardena is not the official captain anymore. Kumar Sangakarra is.

After his smart move to hand over the captain's armband officially to former skipper Kumar Sangakkara in the final Super Eight match against England on Monday, to escape missing the big games after being warned for maintaining a slow over-rate in the previous game, Jayawardena drew praise from England skipper Stuart Broad.

"It's quite a clever use of the system. They (Sri Lanka) can't afford to lose Mahela Jayawardena for a World Cup semifinal. It's just a sneaky way to get past the ICC," he said.

Jayawardena called the shots on the field as Sri Lanka continued their inexorable march into the semifinals on the back of a devastating spell of bowling from speedster Lasith Malinga.

Broad admitted it was Malinga's three-wicket burst that did the damage to his side's innings.

"It was a shame because we would have got a start there and the way Samit Patel took on the spinners it looked very encouraging. It was a class act," said Broad.

"If we had hung around and stayed with him we know the last four-five overs can go for anything because the ball just flies away.

Jayawardena was also overwhelmed by the amazing support they had got from local fans during the tournament.

"When people asked whether it is pressure to play at home, I've said no because of this support. They are always behind us.

“They will be disappointed if we don't do well. During the match the encouragement that we get from the fans it's amazing. We can't ask for anything else. You wouldn't trade this to play somewhere else," he said.

Sri Lanka have yet to play at R Premadasa Stadium in the capital Colombo but this factor does not bother skipper Jayawardena.

"Khettarama is not an alien track for us. We have to train and see how it performs. Having watched other matches on TV, we have an idea of what to do," he said.

Jayawardena is at the peak of his career but a World Cup winners' medal has eluded him despite playing in three finals.

He was philosophical when asked whether he could finish the job in front of his home fans.

He said: "There is nothing guaranteed in these situations. We look at certain things we can control. Just go through processes, preparations and try and execute a good game plan.

"I can't predict the future. I wish I could. What we can do is work hard and make our own destiny.

"Boys are working really hard. I'm very proud of the bunch. That's all I can ask from them. I'm looking forward to the semifinal."

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