One good ball can get Virat out, says confident Malinga

Image
Press Trust of India Mirpur
Last Updated : Apr 05 2014 | 7:01 PM IST
Sri Lanka's stand-in captain Lasith Malinga says that Virat Kohli is a great batsman but they have the bowlers who can bowl that one good delivery, which can dismiss even the greatest.
"We all know Virat is a great player. But even the greatest player needs only one ball to get out. I have a good feeling that someone from my side can bowl that one good ball tomorrow," Malinga said in a confident tone ahead of his team's ICC World T20 final against India.
Someone asked if him if the contest can be billed as one between Malinga and Kohli, he tried to play it down.
"We have to plan for all 20 overs. They have six or seven good batsmen. We don't think only about getting one particular batsman out. We have to focus on bowling 20 good overs. Virat is a good player, but, if he gets a good ball, he too can get out."
Malinga did not pay much importance to their practice match victory prior to the start of the tournament.
"Practice match is a practice match. But a tournament match is very different, both mentally and physically. The final is a big game and the tension is completely different. Whoever plays well on the day can win," the skipper answered.
The Lankan slinger also dismissed notions that it will be a match where he would eyeing to prove himself as his record against India is not great.
"I never go into a match trying to prove myself. There are other bowlers in my team who can do the job for the team as well. As I said, anyone can produce a good ball and pick up a wicket. However good a batsman is, it can take only one ball to get him out."
He made it clear that he will be the one who would go out there with Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the toss.
"I will be the captain tomorrow," he answered a direct query. About Chandimal's position in the team, he gave an evasive reply.
"Chandimal led us well in the first few matches. He is a promising up and coming player. Lahiru got his chance and proved how good he is. We haven't decided our team for tomorrow. We have to look at the pitch and decide what kind of combination we want to go in for tomorrow.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Apr 05 2014 | 7:01 PM IST

Next Story