World Cup 2023: Sri Lanka group preview, squad, key gamers, kind and prediction

Sri Lanka was stretched throughout the spectrum throughout its latest 13-match profitable streak in ODIs. It dismissed the opposition in 14 consecutive matches however its batting collapses have been a persistent chorus throughout this era.

With Wanindu Hasaranga’s damage ruling him out of the World Cup, Sri Lanka will miss its star all-rounder, whose leg-spin was pivotal to the group defending a string of low scores throughout its unbeaten run within the World Cup Qualifiers. Whether or not Maheesh Theekshana’s thriller spin and Dunith Wellalage’s latest exploits are sufficient to take Sri Lanka over the road will rely upon the batters, who shall be beneath the scanner on Indian pitches which are both rank turners or flatbeds.

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Be it Kusal Perera or Kusal Mendis’ flamboyance on the prime or Sadeera Samarickwarama’s composure within the center, Sri Lanka has the personnel to counter completely different circumstances. Throughout the tough transition since 2015, the island nation has developed the knack of discovering unlikely match-winners and the Asia Cup title in 2022 was testimony to this skill.

Whereas Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva shall be known as upon to ship with bat and ball, the burning concern for Sri Lanka is the type of captain Dasun Shanaka within the decrease order. His woeful kind with the bat displays in Sri Lanka’s third-lowest run fee on the demise since 2022, which contrasts sharply with its demise bowling, led by rising star Matheesha Pathirana.

KEY PLAYERS

Sadeera Samarawickrama

Samarickwarama’s composure within the middle-order shall be key for consolidating Sri Lanka’s brittle batting line-up.
| Picture Credit score:
AFP

Samarawickrama in ODIs in 2023

Maheesh Theekshana

Theekshana will head the spin division within the absence of Hasaranga.
| Picture Credit score:
AFP

Theekshana in ODIs in 2023

PREDICTION

Regardless of a precipitous fall since its glory days between 2007 and 2014, Sri Lanka usually defies expectations. Nevertheless, translating success on the continental degree to the worldwide stage shall be a bridge too far and in reaching the semifinals, Sri Lanka will exceed expectations once more.