We have to be in the present and identify the key moments to win: Sri Lanka coach Ratnayake

Playing astatine location should bring comfort, but for Sri Lanka, it besides brings expectation. The squad has shown heart, but execution has lagged, which was peculiarly observed successful the tract against England successful the erstwhile match.

Sri Lanka’s caput coach, Rumesh Ratnayake, admitted that portion effort hasn’t been lacking, carrying it done remains a concern. “We saw the disadvantage erstwhile we missed a catch. By losing 1 catch, they accrued their full to a hundred,” helium said up of the clash against New Zealand astatine the R. Premadasa Stadium present connected Tuesday.

The batting, too, has struggled for stability. “Everyone should play the anchor role. We person six players who should bash that, but truthful far, it has ne'er happened,” Ratnayake explained.

Still, there’s nary shortage of content wrong the camp. “We’ve done good against New Zealand successful the past, but that’s history. We person to beryllium successful the contiguous and place the cardinal moments to win,” helium added, emphasising composure implicit past records.

Across the dressing room, New Zealand’s Maddy Green acknowledged Sri Lanka’s imaginable threat, particularly astatine home. “They are a challenging side. We cognize we request to play truly well, particularly against their spinners and their skipper Chamari (Athapaththu). She’s a large wicket for us.”

Reflecting connected her ain role, Green added: “It’s much astir however bash I lend — Sometimes you request to try, spell from shot 1 and decorativeness disconnected the innings. Or it mightiness beryllium to dependable the vessel and get a concern going... I consciousness similar I’ve been hitting the shot well, truthful I consciousness assured with wherever my game’s at.”