A near full house at Centurion prior to the start of the warm-up match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan © Cricinfo Ltd.

We touched down in South Africa last week not fully knowing what to expect. We have a new coaching and management team, a slightly different team and a new format of the game to experience. Unlike some teams, we have hardly played any Twenty20 cricket at all. All we know is that the pace can be frenetic, the crowds love it and it’s all over in just three hours.

Since arriving, the media has been clamouring for predictions and insights into how the new tournament will pan out. However, all we know is that the best way for us to succeed is to learn fast and quickly adapt ourselves to the new format. We have to learn on our feet and work out for ourselves the best tactics and approaches for our team.

The early signs, though, are encouraging for this competition. There is a palpable excitement and buzz surrounding the tournament here in South Africa, a country that is passionate about its sports and proud to be organizing international tournaments. Already, here, Twenty20 is a firm favourite of the spectators.

Continue reading "Sri Lanka eager to test unfamiliar waters"