DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka, Oct 12, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - After celebrating victories in 
Test and ODIs, Sri Lanka hopes to extend its run of success to T20s, with 
their first showdown against the West Indies set to begin Sunday.

Sri Lanka ended a 27-year dry spell by winning an ODI series against India, 
celebrated a Test victory in England after a decade, and notched their first 
series win over New Zealand since 2009.

The West Indies are third in the global T20 rankings, while Sri Lanka 
languishes at a modest eighth.

But a series win could shake things up, with the first of three opening at 
home at Dambulla.

"We've turned the tide in Test and ODI cricket, and now it's high time to 
bring that same fire to T20s," skipper Charith Asalanka told reporters.

"If you look at our recent series, we've been playing below par. We've 
tweaked a few strategies and are rebuilding the squad with an eye on the next 
World Cup in two years."

- 'Golden opportunity' -

Sri Lanka confirmed the return of hard-hitting middle-order batter Bhanuka 
Rajapaksa, marking his comeback since January 2022, roped in as a replacement 
for former captain Dasun Shanaka.

"Bhanuka's the kind of guy who can clear the ropes at will, especially in 
those crunch death overs," Asalanka said. "He's got a wealth of T20 
experience, and can keep his cool when the heat is on."

The remaining two T20s against the West Indies, also at Dambulla, will be 
played on October 15 and 17.

The T20 series will be followed by a three-match ODI series at Pallekele.

They face a depleted West Indies, who are missing key batters like Nicholas 
Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, all-rounder Andre Russell, and spin ace Akeal 
Hosein.

Despite their depleted roster, West Indies captain Rovman Powell radiated 
confidence.

"We're a solid T20 team," he said.

"We've got two T20 World Cups under our belt, and we're always aiming 
higher," he added.

"Our strength lies in our power hitters, and we're banking on them. In this 
format, it is adapt or perish --- the team that catches on quickly has the 
edge."

With Sri Lanka set to co-host the next T20 World Cup alongside India, Powell 
said it was key to learn the conditions -- even though the big event is two 
years away.

"This series is a golden opportunity to acclimatize", he said. "Sri Lanka is 
no pushover; they play fierce cricket. It'll give us a good gauge of where we 
stand and what to expect."