Abu Dhabi: Sri Lanka batting coach Hashan Tillakaratne has welcomed Sri Lanka Cricket Board’s decision to go to Lahore for the scheduled third Twenty20 International later this month.

Sri Lanka Cricket board (SLC) had, on Monday, kept their word despite a signed petition from 40 players to move the last T20 to a neutral venue citing security concerns.

Tillakaratne said it was the SLC’s duty to come to the aid of Pakistan, who along with India had helped their country during the 1996 World Cup.

Sri Lanka were in a similar fix ahead of the mega event, when, following a bomb blast, Australia and West Indies refused to tour the country over security concerns. A joint move from India and Pakistan saw them sending a combined team for a friendly match against Sri Lanka, which soothed the nerves of other teams. Though Australia and West Indies still gave a walkover in their World Cup matches scheduled in Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Kenya played their matches in Colombo. “SLC has already announced that we will tour Lahore. In 1996, Pakistan helped us by forming the combined India-Pakistan side, and now it is our duty to help them,” said Tillakaratne.

With the T20 taking place on October 29, Pakistan are looking to revive international cricket back home after they left their shores following the Sri Lanka team bus attack at Lahore in March 2009.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had successfully hosted three T20Is against a World XI squad last month in Lahore and were upbeat about playing one match in Lahore despite initial fears.

Sri Lanka are currently trailing 2-0 in the five-match ODI series being held in the UAE and are facing a must-win situation going into the third ODI in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

Though their batting has repeatedly let the team down, Tillakaratne was confident that his team can bounce back. “I’m very positive. We need to win all three games and rectify our mistakes. Skill and everything is there; batters need to get their act together,” said Tillakaratne, who accepted that batting collapse was a worry and they are trying everything in their powers to sort it out.

“It has been very difficult and disappointing. I’m sure the boys are also aware of the situation. We have been practicing for leg-spinner and hopefully, we will put up a good show in the third game.”