World Cup 2019 | WATCH: Veteran fast bowler Lasith Malinga shares his thoughts on playing against a strong Indian side ahead of their final league game

Team India will be playing their final league match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 against Sri Lanka at Leed's on Saturday. India have already qualified for the semi-final after a 28-run win over Bangladesh on Tuesday. They are currently at the second spot in the points table with six wins, one loss and 12 points in their tally. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's World Cup campaign is over as they are at the sixth position with three wins and three losses in eight matches.

Ahead of Sri Lanka's final match against India, veteran Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga shared his thoughts about playing his last World Cup match in an exclusive interview to Republic TV.

"They (India) are the best team. We know that we have not qualified for the semi-finals but we will be playing for pride."

 

Malinga also added that the match against India will also be an opportunity for their young players to showcase their talent.

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The 35-year-old also said that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are big wickets but it was the wicket of England's Jos Buttler which was his prized wicket.

"Virat is looking for his first 100 in this World Cup. I am sure that he will get it in the semi-finals or the finals. Virat is a match-winner as he is a consistent player. In my opinion, Jos Buttler's wicket was my best wicket." 

The speedster was not sure and he said that he would try his best. He also had words of appreciation for Rohit Sharma.

"Rohit has got four hundreds . He is the most consistent player in the Indian team and he is a good player."

Malinga was full of praises for his Mumbai Indians team-mate Jasprit Bumrah.

"No doubt about that. He is the best. He is more accurate, skillful bowler with good pace and he knows how to handle the situation." 

 

When asked about India's 2011 World Cup-winning skipper MS Dhoni who is playing his last World Cup, here's what Malinga had to say. 

"Since the last 10 years, he has been the best finisher in the world. I don't think anyone can beat him in the future also. He has shown that he is talented, proved that he is calm and has the potential of handling pressure."

Malinga, who was a part of the Sri Lankan squad that finished as the runners-up in 2007 and 2011 editions of the World Cup was of the opinion that Dhoni should at least play for a couple of years.

"He should play for one or two years and give that experience to the young players. Number six and seven positions are very crucial for the team and I don't think that anyone has the experience like MS. He should be around for one or two years and help the youngsters understand about the situation awareness."

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