A 50-run all-out against India is Sri Lanka's motivation

Sri Lanka captain Kushal Mendis in practice in Mumbai: AFP

The two teams last met in the Asia Cup final last September. Sri Lanka lost by 10 wickets in the match against India by 50 runs. Sri Lanka's World Cup match against India tomorrow in Mumbai. The loss of the Asia Cup final in this important match will give additional motivation to Sri Lanka, said the head coach of the team, Chris Silverwood.

India are unbeaten so far in the tournament. The hosts also destroyed England in the last match. On the other hand, Sri Lanka come into this match with only 2 wins in 6 matches. This time they also lost to Afghanistan.

Before this match, Silverwood told reporters today, "I would rather hope that the loss in the Asia Cup will give the boys more motivation tomorrow." To fight, to show confidence, to face India with enthusiasm. We know they are a very good team. I saw them play great cricket in this tournament. But this is a good opportunity to show what our boys are made of.

Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood (left) with Indian coach Rahul Dravid: AFP

1996 World Cup winners Sri Lanka lost to India in the 2011 final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Knowing his team's history as well, reminded Silverwood, "Frankly, guys know about history." They talk about their team, about the results of the past.

But Silverwood thinks that playing in such a stadium is an additional motivation, 'but it must also be accepted, it is a great stadium. When you stand in between, the hair will stand on end. There are many motivations to perform in front of a gallery-filled audience.

Sri Lanka's victory in this match is important to keep the dream of semi-finals alive. Despite defeating England, Sri Lanka lost to Afghanistan this time. After being bowled out for 241 runs with the Afghans, they lost by 7 wickets. Silverwood said, "We are all disappointed by that day. There is nothing to belittle Afghanistan. In the dressing room we discussed, brought up some things. Then coming here we are trying to get it right in practice. As a result, we will come down prepared tomorrow.

Sadira Samarawickrama has been the team's most consistent batsman so far. He scored 331 runs with a century and two fifties. Silverwood said about him, 'He knows about himself. More importantly, he knows what works for him. Now he is consistently trying to do that. I think all great batsmen do that. If you look at people like Virat Kohli, you will see that what they are doing, they are doing it consistently.