Ruhunu XI can do well in CLT20: Sanath Jayasuriya

Sanath Jayasuriya conceded that his side Ruhunu Eleven are the underdogs in the Champions League Twenty20 but said they are determined for a good show in the tournament.

Hyderabad: Former Sri Lankan all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya on Sunday conceded that his side Ruhunu Eleven are the underdogs in the Champions League Twenty20 but said they are determined for a good show in the tournament.

"We are the underdogs. We have got a young team, but with lot of young stars who are playing good cricket in domestic cricket (in Sri Lanka). Now they (youngsters) have got an opportunity here to play in a big league and they want to do well here," Jayasuriya told reporters ahead of his team`s qualifying round match against West Indian team Trinidad and Tobago on Monday. "My young teammates want to show that they are good and we all want to do well. It`s a process and we need to do our process right and we will see what the result is," he said. Asked on his team`s chances, Jayasuriya said, "It`s (Twenty20) a tough game. Whenever we play Twenty20 cricket we never know what will happen. You need to play well on all three fronts batting, bowling and fielding." The veteran left-hander, who is known for his explosive batting, said he wanted to share his experience with the youngsters. "...myself as a batsman and a bowler I will give 100 per cent for my team and make sure that we win next two (qualifying) games. Qualifying and winning the next two games is just what matters for us." On what kept him motivated (to play), Jayasuriya said, "I played lot of Twenty20 games outside Sri Lanka and also for my provincial team. And so why not if you are playing well and getting runs the team and the management is happy so I thought why not to continue.” "I am concentrating on cricket at the moment I am practising hard and want to do well for Ruhunu Eleven." PTI