The ninth edition of the T20 World Cup is underway in the Caribbean and the USA, and we’ve already witnessed some thrilling contests. With 20 teams participating, this season’s mega event has added more excitement for cricket enthusiasts.
Since its inception in 2007, Sri Lanka managed to clinch the T20 World Cup in its eighth edition. However, their performance has significantly declined in subsequent ICC tournaments. The spin wizard, Wanindu Hasaranga, has been entrusted with leading the Sri Lankan side in the T20 World Cup 2024, with Charith Asalanka as his deputy.
It will be intriguing to see how the Hasaranga-led Sri Lankan side fares in this mega event. In this article, we will explore the Sri Lankan squad—their strengths, weaknesses, X-factor, and predictions for the T20 World Cup.
Mark your calendars and get ready to cheer on the Lions as they battle it out on the world stage. #T20WorldCup #LankanLions #SriLankaCricket pic.twitter.com/BqN0EIIBj8
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) June 3, 2024
Sri Lanka Squad for the T20 World Cup 2024
Batters: Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk)
All-rounders: Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka
Pacers: Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara
Spinners: Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage
Reserves: Asitha Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage
Strengths of Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup 2024
Plethora of All-rounders
Sri Lanka boasts a wealth of all-rounders, including Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, and Dasun Shanaka. Hasaranga, since becoming captain, often promotes himself in the batting order, yielding positive results. He can score rapidly and counter-attack in dire situations. Asalanka, de Silva, Mathews, Mendis, and Shanaka also have the potential to turn the tide with both bat and ball.
Quality Spinners
Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy bowling attack can dominate on slower surfaces. Hasaranga, with extensive experience in multiple franchise leagues, can confuse batters with his variations. With 104 wickets in T20Is, he is Sri Lanka’s second-highest wicket-taker, following Lasith Malinga. Maheesh Theekshana, another quality spinner, keeps things tight in the middle overs and is a valuable asset.
Death Over Specialist
Matheesha Pathirana, known as ‘Baby Malinga’ due to his Malinga-esque slingy action, is a lethal bowler in the death overs. In recent IPL matches, he grabbed 13 wickets in 6 innings and curtailed scoring rates in death overs.
Weaknesses: Where Sri Lanka Might Falter
Top-Order Batters’ Form
Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis, who mostly bat in the top order, are struggling with their form in T20 cricket. This is a significant concern, especially during the powerplay.
Mathews and Shanaka’s Batting Form
Sri Lanka lacks power hitters, and with Shanaka and Mathews failing to perform, this exacerbates the problem. The inexperience of lower middle-order batters means that if these veterans don’t regain their form, the batting lineup might collapse.
X-Factor of Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup 2024
Matheesha Pathirana
Pathirana can be a game-changer with his laser-guided yorkers in the death overs. In the IPL, he was used primarily in death-over and crunch situations. Hasaranga will likely employ him similarly, which could be advantageous for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan Players to Watch Out For
Wanindu Hasaranga
Hasaranga is renowned for his leg-spin bowling but has recently proved his mettle with the bat. He can score briskly in both middle and death overs, making him a versatile player. He has amassed 650 runs in T20Is, with a highest score of 71.
Pathum Nissanka
Nissanka, with over 1200 runs in T20Is, is an explosive top-order batter. He is crucial for providing a strong start in the powerplay and setting the tone for the later batters.
Prediction
Sri Lanka is placed in Group D of the T20 World Cup 2024. While they are likely to finish in the top two of their group, their chances of qualifying for the semifinals appear bleak due to their weaknesses and recent tendency to crumble under pressure.
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