EXCLUSIVE Wayamba spinner Rangana Herath believes triumph in the ACLT20 will work wonders for Sri Lankan cricket.

By Rajarshi Gupta

Wayamba, with their firepower resemble a near full strength Sri Lankan national team- well almost. Yet, with their flair and charisma, the Emerald Islanders failed to breathe fire last year. South Africa 2010 will give Wayamba a chance to redeem their reputation.

Rangana Herath, who is expected to be one of the vital cogs in the wheel for skipper Jehan Mubarak, in a free-wheeling chat with ESPNSTAR.COM exuded confidence of erasing the ghosts of last year.

RG: Which is the biggest threat for Wayamba in the ACL T20 this year?

Herath: In T20 cricket every team is a threat and in this CLT20 there are some really good teams. So we are focused on our own game and making sure we do the basics well. If we do that then I think we have the ability to beat any side in the world.

RG: How confident are you of doing better than last year? There is after all no doubting the talent your team possesses.

Herath: We are far more confident. We learnt a lot from our experience last year and we have improved as a team. This year, we won the Provincial Tournament for the second time. We are more experienced and the guys have had plenty of time to prepare.

RG: You have been playing for Wayamba successfully. How would you like to play in an IPL side?

Herath: Right now it is great to be back playing limited overs cricket for Sri Lanka and T20 cricket for Wayamba. I really enjoy playing both formats and I want to prove my value in both teams. If that ends up leading to a chance in the IPL at some stage then that would be fantastic. I certainly believe spinners can be T20 match-winners and I've really developed as an all rounder cricketer.

RG: Is the CL T20 a great place to be noticed for future auctions?

Herath: Obviously the presence of IPL teams and all the television exposure provide a really good platform to showcase your talents, but the focus for me is helping Wayamba lift the trophy. That would be great for Sri Lanka.

RG: How have you prepared for the ACL T20 after the Test series against India?

Herath: Yes, I have been working really hard as part of the Sri Lanka ODI squad and also with Wayamba team-mates. I am fit, fresh and ready for the challenge.

RG: Do you believe your arsenal is good for SA conditions? You have Ajantha Mendis as your partner and a good crop of seamers.

Herath: We have a really balanced attack that can be effective in all conditions. Besides Ajantha and me, Wayamba also have Kaushal Lokuarachchi in the spin department and a very talented pace attack with the likes of Thissera Perera, Chanaka Welegedera and Isuru Udana, a great T20 bowler.

RG: What is the most significant thing you learnt during the last ACL T20?

Herath: I most important lesson has been that don't get awed by big names. With hindsight and a bit more experience we could have won against the Delhi Daredevils in 2009. You need to believe in yourself and keep your discipline.

RG: Does an international flavour to the ACLT20 add the same kind of pressure as it is in any other high-profile international tournament?

Herath: I think the profile of the ACLT20 and the size of the TV audience makes this a big tournament for everyone and because Sri Lanka has only one team we are effectively representing Sri Lanka, which is exciting for the team.