Every team needs to have close look at Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka

Despite a build-up dogged by controversy and indifferent form, Sri Lanka, the 2014 champions, ran through the Qualifier phase and now start their T20 World Cup Super 12 campaign on Sunday against Bangladesh. Their well-balanced side, boasting two express fast bowlers, a mystery spinner, and a cross-section of reliable run-getters, will be in action again and skipper Dasun Shanaka insisted that "every team has to look at us" for they can be a really tough side in the Super 12 phase.

"It's a simple message. The boys have done well, and they have shown their skills, and they have shown what they really can do in this tournament. They have made their mark in this tournament already, so every team has to have a close look at them, so it's really good for us," said Shanaka on Saturday.

The performances back up his confidence. They dismissed Namibia for 96, Ireland for 101, and then the Netherlands for just 44 as Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Kumara rattled batsmen with raw pace despite the sluggish wickets of the Gulf. Spinner Maheesh Theekshana, the 21-year-old off-break bowler who only made his international debut recently, left batsmen bamboozled with his mystery spin. He goes into the second round with seven wickets to his name. Meanwhile, Wanindu Hasaranga and Pathum Nissanka both hit half-centuries against Ireland to rescue their team from a perilous 8-3 at one stage.

Some media reports claimed that Jayawardene was to leave the team ahead of the Super 12s to return home to see his family. Jayawardene said he had spent "135 days in quarantine and bubbles since June" but would still carry out his role with the squad by distance. Shanaka hailed the dressing room influence of former skipper and now team mentor Mahela Jayawardene.

"It's a real good investment to the boys, mostly to the youngsters. They gained a lot of experience from him and a lot of advice. It makes it easier for me as a captain, as well, so it's been really good this far."