We really worked hard for victory, says Chamika

We had planned to win the second ODI at Pallekele and everything happened as expected and won the game said man of the match Chamika Karunaratne after their 26 run win over Australia in their second game to level the series . We knew our players potential and all were committed to play the game and gain victory.

Actually we were very close to win the first ODI at this same venue.We realized what type of mistakes we made at the first ODI .We together with our supporting staff really worked hard for the success and that always gives lot of confidence said all rounder Chamika Karunaratne the former Royal skipper .

We never expected to lose the matches and always planned to win. Some times it may be successful or not. However as a team we are committed to give our best to win the matches added Chamika Karunaratne the 26 year old right hand middle order batsman and very useful right arm medium paceman.

We were concerned about our fitness which is also very important to play the game . Especially Mali Aiya (Lasith Malinga) gave maximum support to me as a bowler .Not only me but also the other pacemen were advised by Mali Ayya on how to bowl according to the match situation.

Especially from my childhood days Mali gave me lot of advice while present coaches Chris Silverwood who himself was a fast bowler, Dharshana Gamage, Chamila Gamage, Chaminda Vaas and all coaches from my school days guided me and my parents and three brothers gave their blessing to go forward said Chamika Karunaratne the most active player ( Unanduwa) on the field . We have to play three more ODI’ s in Colombo and we want to win the series.

The victory in the second ODI was a morale booster to play the rest of the matches.

There is a slight difference between Pallekele and R.Premadada International Stadium wickets. The batting friendly Pallekele always produces good results for Sri Lanka. We all know now we have to play rest of the matches at R. Premadasa International cricket stadium .We made few mistakes.

Especially I played a rash shot and got out in the second ODI and wanted to correct that type of mistakes .Dananjaya Aiya (Dhananjaya de Silva) really bowled well to get an early breakthrough and his first two wickets were very vital at that stage and all our spinners did a decent job in this game.

Special mention must be made of young Dunith Wellalage who is a good all rounder and very committed player with lot of potential at his age and he is a real asset to the team said Chamika Karunaratne. We always plan and execute it Our skipper Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dhanushka Gunatilaka, Kusal Mendis all senior players and youngsters like Dunith Wellalage and Mahesh Theekshana always discuss with each other and go for the win.

Wanindu Hasaranga’s absence was a big loss at the last game and if he played the game it would have been easier for us.However all seniors and juniors worked together to get this vital win and look forward to do well.