Sri Lanka has just unveiled one of the most formidable bowling lineups for the T20 World Cup squad.
Sri Lanka has assembled a formidable lineup for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with its bowling unit standing out as the most valuable asset.
Led by three main spin bowlers - Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Maheesh Theekshana, and Dunith Wellalage - the squad also boasts part-time spin options in Danananjaya Silva, Kamindu Mendis, and Charith Asalanka. What sets this lineup apart is the variety in bowling styles offered by these bowlers, providing a significant advantage for Sri Lanka.
Wanidu is leading the charge, currently ranked as the second-best bowler in T20Is, closely followed by Theekshana, who holds the fifth position in the rankings. The selectors have opted for the promising young Wellalage as the third spin option, potentially marking his debut T20I tournament.
Anticipating slower pitches in the Americas and the West Indies, the selectors have wisely chosen six spin bowling options, with the added advantage of five of them being all-rounders, based on their past performances and the prevailing conditions.
In addition to the spin department, Sri Lanka boasts a formidable fast bowling attack, with six options in total. Among them are the promising young talents Matheesha Pathirana , Nuwan Thushara and Dilshan Madushanka, along with experienced campaigner Dushmantha Chameera, all of whom have earned their spots through performances that have also secured them places in the IPL. Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka, both renowned as fast bowling all-rounders and among the best finishers globally, are geared up to elevate Sri Lanka's campaign.
Sri Lanka faces two significant challenges within their squad: injury concerns and a shortage of power-hitting options. Recently, Wanidu, Matheesha, Dilshan, and Chameera have all grappled with injuries, but the team confirms their readiness to play, hoping to avoid further setbacks. Additionally, the team lacks power hitters, with many players boasting a strike rate below 125, considerably lower than other teams. However, there's belief in the squad's ability to overcome this deficiency when the need arises.
Sri Lanka has announced four traveling reserves: (Asitha Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Janith Liyanage ). This selection reflects the selectors' bold decisions, notably leaving out Kusal Janith and Akila Dananjaya in favor of promising young talents like Viyaskanth and Janith Liyanage. The inclusion of Banuka Rajapakshe is particularly anticipated. While Banuka could potentially address the team's power-hitting deficiency, selectors prioritized Dananjaya due to his all-round capabilities.
Full Squad : Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka.
Travelling Reserves: Asitha Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage.
