ICC T20 WORLD CUP 2022

October 20, 2022

Kusal Mendis

Maheesh Theekshana

Kardinia Park

Sri Lanka

Post Match Media Conference

Sri Lanka 162/6, Netherlands 146/9

Q. What adjustments have you had to make on these conditions?

KUSAL MENDIS: Yeah, a little different here than in Australia coming in February. Also then the rebounds and pace they have. I think the first six overs begin to play the normal game, then we can get up there the last 10 overs.

Q. When did you realise that at some point during the first game that you don't have to play (indiscernible) in order to maximise the boundary?

KUSAL MENDIS: Yeah, the first game a little bit we know the wicket is a little bit slow, then after that first match, I know how to play this wicket. Then the second and third match, I played really well. Then I know how to play then this wicket.

Q. Do you need to practice before coming?

KUSAL MENDIS: Two weeks I practice here, and mentally the same thing. The practice in winter both are a bit different. I think they practice very well I think and play well here.

Q. Kusal, your position today was obviously different from your first match, but you were playing the same pitch and just had a much better game as a team. Why do you think you played so much better today than in the first game?

KUSAL MENDIS: First game I didn't know how to play the wicket because it was really slow, then after the first match, I know how to play here. Then a bit of wicket slow, then I take the time, and the first six overs play the normal game. Then after the six overs I can manage my routine. That's the reason.

Q. Do you think the fact that Sri Lanka have reached the Super 12 the hard way, do you think that'll be a good thing for the team, to bring the team closer together?

KUSAL MENDIS: Yeah, before last month I played very well at Asia Cup. Then I have a good team. Then I know that I have a similar plan after the next match, then I think we can do it better.

Q. Kusal, did this pitch play a little better than the one on Sunday, just not quite as slow?

KUSAL MENDIS: Yeah, a little bit more today, a little bit slow than earlier, only the first hour, then a little bit slow. Then after the first 20 over, the wicket getting better a little bit.

Q. Kusal, if you advance, then you will go to group 2 in Super 12: India, Pakistan, South Africa, Bangladesh. Looks like it's almost that group waiting for you. How do you see that suggestion?

KUSAL MENDIS: I think we have played a lot of Asian countries. I think good for the game to get a second look. We have played Bangladesh and India so many times. I think we are playing a good series.