This is the right time for Sri Lanka to be at their peak: Wasim Jaffer

Sri Lanka’s start to the Asia Cup 2022 was disappointing, but the islanders managed to put up back-to-back brilliant performances by defeating Bangladesh in the group stage and Afghanistan in the Super Four stage by close margins. The hosts have been on a roll this season, and have shown great composure, as a unit, on the field.

The Lankans will be very confident when they meet India and Pakistan next in their remaining two fixtures before the finale. Losing their first match against Afghanistan and then going on to take revenge when they met again meant Sri Lanka’s strategies fell in place. Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer was very impressed by Sri Lanka’s game this season and said that the team is at its peak.

While speaking on BatBricks7 Presents Run Ki Runneeti show on CricTracker, Jaffer said: “It's a good beginning for Sri Lanka as they have taken a lead in the Super Four points table. I feel this is the right time for Sri Lanka to be at their peak. Looking at how they defeated Bangladesh and then going on to defeat Afghanistan, it shows that Sri Lanka's standards are touching a high.”

At this stage, one cannot predict who will win the title: Jaffer

The pitch at Sharjah was challenging to bat on, and Afghanistan was able to put up a defendable total because of Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s batting heroics. His 45-ball 84 was surely the highlight of Afghanistan’s batting, but Sri Lankan batters carried a never give up attitude when they walked out for the chase, and even after some setbacks they managed to pull off a miracle.

"The tournament is nearing its end and when you bag a win against the team (Afghanistan) that was a favorite in this fixture, I feel if Sri Lanka continues to perform similarly then you never know what is in the bag for the future. All four teams in the Super Four stage are top class and at this stage, one cannot predict who will win the title," Jaffer added.

Sri Lanka’s next assignment is against India, and the two teams will lock horns on September 6 at the Dubai International Stadium. Both the teams have seen success at the venue this season, and it would be interesting to watch what the two in-form teams have in the bag.