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Paul McNamara

Kaushal Silva has backed captain Yasim Murtaza to lead Hong Kong’s cricketers “to the next level”, but said it was time for his players to convert potential into performances.
The city team will finish their Asia Cup campaign against Silva’s native Sri Lanka in Dubai on Monday.
They were soundly beaten by Afghanistan in their opening game, when they dropped five catches, before losing a closer contest with Bangladesh.
The head coach, who is taking charge in a tournament for the first time, said there was “a lot of improvement across all areas in the second game,” including the players giving “it our all in the field.
“The players have potential, for sure, but they have to convert it into performances,” Silva added. “If we perform for 40 overs, we can do something special.”

Appointed in July, Silva inherited a captain in 34-year-old all-rounder Murtaza who replaced Nizakat Khan last December, and said he was happy having “a strong leader … respected and trusted by everyone in the group”.
“He’s been a role model and he sets the standard in training, which is an example of a good leader,” Silva said. “I have no doubt he’ll lead this team to the next level.”
Silva’s compatriot Mario Villavarayan is doubling as Hong Kong’s strength and conditioning and fast-bowling coach for the Asia Cup.
A right-arm quick during his 12-year playing career, Villavarayan has worked with the Sri Lanka and Bangladesh national teams, as well as with the likes of Australians Pat Cummins and Travis Head in his role with IPL side Sunrisers Hyderabad.
“He’s gelled with the boys, and his fast-bowling plans have come along well,” Silva said. “[His contract] is short-term at this stage, but it’s gone well, so let’s see if things fall into place.”
In Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya, the former opening batsman, Silva will encounter a man “I’ve always looked up to”.
“He was chairman of selectors when I played and always helped me,” Silva said. “He knew I had the ability to handle the new ball and backed me on tours to tough places.
“He was a remarkable player, too, and he changed the game at the 1996 World Cup.”
While Jayasuriya’s pyrotechnics helped Sri Lanka win that tournament 29 years ago, today’s players are raising the bar further still. On Friday, England piled up 304 for two in a T20 against South Africa.
“In modern cricket, you can’t have a conservative mindset, you have to try things,” Silva said. “I’m pleased our boys have shown they can change their style of play. I want them to be brave, and I have to make them believe this is how they can improve.”
Afghanistan scored 188-6against Hong Kong, having been 95-4, before the city team replied with 94-9.
Chasing 144 to win, Bangladesh were 47-2, before Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy shared a 95-run stand to ease them towards a seven-wicket victory.
“During that partnership, we could have been braver, attacked, and tried to force a mistake,” Silva said. “There were moments in both matches when we were on top and put Test nations under pressure.
“If we play our A-game, we can finish strongly. We want momentum for our next camp. The boys have learned a lot about the intensity levels and mindset changes we need; how we play our own games, and how that aligns with the team.”


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Cricket

Kaushal Silva targeting strong finish at T20 tournament following pair of defeats, tips captain Yasim Murtaza to take team ‘to next level’


Kaushal Silva targeting strong finish at T20 tournament following pair of defeats, tips captain Yasim Murtaza to take team ‘to next level’.


Time for Hong Kong to turn potential into performances at Asia Cup, head coach says

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Kaushal Silva targeting strong finish at T20 tournament following pair of defeats, tips captain Yasim Murtaza to take team ‘to next level’

Kaushal Silva targeting strong finish at T20 tournament following pair of defeats, tips captain Yasim Murtaza to take team ‘to next level’