Once a powerhouse in world cricket, the Sri Lankan team no longer has that domination in the world cricket. The retirement of the greats and not finding suitable candidates to replace them leaves Sri Lanka in a not-so-good situation.
Pathum Nissanka will be one of the openers, and he will be partnered by Dimuth Karunaratne or Kusal Perera at the top. Perera pips Karunaratne due to his more attacking game and with the pitches expected to be flat tracks, they need to have players who can attack from the beginning.
The middle order comprises of Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Dhananjaya de Silva. Samarawickrama and Asalanka are in good touch and are quite consistent with their scoring. Mendis and de Silva are a treat to watch, but they need to be more consistent if Sri Lanka has to make it far.
Skipper Dasun Shanaka will be tasked with the responsibility of providing big hits in the last vers along with de Silva. The young Dunith Wellalage will play the supporting act in the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga.
The pace attack will be led by Lahiru Kumara and the baby Malinga Maheesh Theekshana. The loss of Dushmanta Chameera is a big blow to this team, but they have the likes of Kumara, Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, and Kasun Rajitha. Madhushanka and Rajitha will be the backup seamers.
The spin attack is again depleted by the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga. But the good thing is that the form of Dunith Wellalage and Matheesha Pathirana would give the confidence to do well in the spin conditions. They also have the likes of Asalanka and de Silva who can chip in with the overs of spin.
Expectations
They can give a hard time to the top sides, but will likely finish in the middle of the table.
15-mam squad
Batsmen
Dimuth Karunaratne
Pathum Nissanka
Wicket Keepers
Kusal Mendis
Kusal Perera
Sadeera Samarawickrama
All-Rounders
Dasun Shanaka
Charith Asalanka
Dhananjaya de Silva
Dushan Hemantha
Bowlers
Lahiru Kumara
Dilshan Madushanka
Matheesha Pathirana
Kasun Rajitha
Maheesh Theekshana
Dunith Wellalage
Probable Playing XI:
Pathum Nissanka
Kusal Perera
Kusal Mendis(WK)
Sadeera Samarawickrama
Charith Asalanka
Dhananjaya de Silva
Dasun Shanaka(C)
Dunith Wellalage
Matheesha Pathirana
Maheesh Theekshana
Lahiru Kumara
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