Optimistic Sri Lanka eye world title after a decade
Can Sri Lanka repeat repeat the wonder they performed in 2014
As Sri Lanka readies to clinch its first world cricket title in a decade, there is optimism that the 2014 champions could secure the World T20 title again when the tournament kicks off next month in the Caribbean and the USA.
Despite participating in three World T20 Tournaments after their victory against India in 2014, Sri Lanka’s performances have been below par, failing to secure a top-four finish in the last three editions.
However, with a strong squad of players getting ready for the showdown in the Americas, Chief Selector Upul Tharanga believes Sri Lanka has a strong chance of going all the way.
“We have one of the best bowling units in the world. Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara are performing exceptionally well in the IPL. Dilshan Madushanka and Dushmantha Chameera are top-notch seamers. Wanindu Hasaranga is the number two ranked T20 bowler globally, and despite a tough series in Bangladesh, Matheesh Theekshana has proven his worth. This X-factor gives us an edge in the World Cup, and if the batsmen find their form, we can go the distance,” remarked Tharanga.
Sri Lanka is among the few countries to not have announced their 15-man squad, with Tharanga mentioning they will finalise it within the next week after closely monitoring the performance of Sri Lankan players during the ongoing three-team practice tournament.
“We are evaluating a few players during the ongoing three-team practice tournament to see if they can seize an opportunity, but overall, we are clear about the team,” said Tharanga, who will travel with the team to USA as the selector on tour.
The squad will be led by Wanindu Hasaranga, with Charith Asalanka as the vice-captain, and is likely to include players like Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Sadeera Samarawickrema, Pathum Nissanka, Dasun Shanaka, and Dhananjaya de Silva.
The selectors are also considering the inclusion of Janith Liyanage, who has been in excellent form in white-ball cricket this year, particularly on ODI format, and Kamindu Mendis, the promising left-handed batter in the touring squad, while Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and Asitha Fernando could be part of the four-man travelling reserves.
Pathirana has taken 13 wickets in six matches for Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing IPL at a great average of 13 while Thushara made his presence felt when he picked up 3 for 42 against Sunrises Hyderabad on Friday.
Angelo Mathews, who missed the last two T20 World Cups due to a youth policy of the previous selectors, mentioned that the preparation for the tournament has been excellent and meticulous, creating a conducive environment for the players to focus on the game.
“This squad shows a lot of promise,” the former captain remarked.
“We have had a fantastic couple of weeks of preparation, done in a precise manner. Credit goes to the coaching staff, selectors, and Sanath (Jayasuriya) for the wonderful support they have provided.”
“We still have a few weeks before the games, and if we play our best cricket consistently, which I believe this team is capable of, we can definitely be a force to be reckoned with,” he added.
Sri Lanka is set to depart on May 14, three weeks ahead of their first match against South Africa on June 3 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.