Veteran Dilshan has no retirement plans

News

Sri Lanka opener Tillakaratne Dilshan has scoffed at questions about his retirement after the World Twenty20, saying he sees no reason to hand up his boots if he's scoring the runs his side requires.

Dilshan made 83 not out against Afghanistan on Thursday, leading his side to a six-wicket win. With the next best score being 21, his team will hope he sticks around for a while longer, even at age 39.

Dilshan, who even hit a six with his trademark Dilscoop, said when asked about retirement: "You see, if I am batting like this – if I'm playing like this – I don't think any retirement at the moment.

"I want to play anyone. I am still really enjoying my cricket. I want to play anyone. I haven't decided anything on my retirement. I'm trying to play maximum I can give to my country."

Dilshan added that his fielding prowess, even at the age of 39, was down to hard work, and that was why he was still one of the best pairs of hands in the game.

He said: "When there are fielding training days, I work especially with the fielding coaches. I like to do as much as I can. I would love for every ball to come to me.

"I am on the field and I can't wait for the ball to come to me. I still field at cover point. If there is a run out, or a good catch to take, I want to do that. I don't think about my age."

latest-news sri-lanka

Latest