Kumar Sangakkara's wise words: Don't take things for granted
Kumar Sangakkara yet again emerged top scorer for his side with a patient 76-run knock as Sri Lanka cruised into the final of the Asia Cup following a crushing 129-run win over minnows Afghanistan.
- Press Trust of India
- Updated: March 03, 2014 10:07 PM IST
He is the leading run-getter in the tournament so far with his tally reading an impressive 246 in three matches but seasoned Sri Lankan batsman Kumar Sangakkara says just being in good form is no guarantee for continued success and one must keep working hard. (Match report)
Sangakkara yet again emerged top scorer for his side with a patient 76-run knock as Sri Lanka cruised into the final of the Asia Cup following a crushing 129-run win over minnows Afghanistan.
"It was tough to bat out there. We needed a good start, so we had to spend some time to build a foundation. It was hard wicket, little slow and timing the ball well was important," Sangakkara, who had also hit a century against India, said after being adjudged Man of the match. (Highlights)
"You can't take anything for granted. You maybe in very good form but all it needs one good ball, lapse in focus or a brilliant fielding and your are out. You just need to enjoy your game when you are there," the left-handed batsman replied when asked about his red-hot form. (Points Table)
Sangakkara also had good words to say about Afghanistan players, specially the bowlers.
"The Afghan team bowled really well. The pacers hit the right areas and they used the spinners well. They exploited the pitch very well," he said. Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi said it was a great challenge for them to pick paceman Lasith Malinga and spinner Ajantha Mendis. Malinga did not get a wicket while Mendis took three for 11.
"We started well with the bat, but then Mendis and Malinga bowled brilliantly. It was difficult to pick Malinga," Nabi said adding that they "bowled brilliantly in the first 35 overs but Sangakkara played very well."
"We have learnt a lot, putting pressure on the rivals and hopefully we will win against India."
Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews was delighted to book a berth in the summit clash.
"It was a very important game for us because we had to book our place in the final. They have a very good bowling attack and our batsmen found it hard, it was a slow pitch too," Mathews said.
"It was a collective effort from Thisara Perera - he scored some useful runs and picked up those crucial three wickets," he added.