Colombo, Feb. 5 -- Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka has stressed the importance of taking a measured, match-by-match approach as the co-hosts prepare to begin their ICC Men's T20 World Cup campaign, with a strong focus on form and team responsibility.

Speaking at the Captain's Day press conference ahead of the tournament, Shanaka said the opening round will be crucial, starting with Sri Lanka's first match against Ireland at the Premadasa Ground in Colombo on February 8.

"We hope to go step by step because the first round is very important," Shanaka said. "We have the focus on the first match. If our batsmen can come into form and the bowlers can show their skills, we have a huge chance to go from the first round and get into the semifin...