Asia Cup T20 2016: Sri Lanka Player Ratings

Sri Lanka, perhaps one of the more successful teams in the Asia Cup T20 2016 put up a horrendous display with both bat and ball. Needless to say, they shot themselves in the foot following a decent start to the tournament. While many blame the inexperience and transition of the side to be one of the main reasons, some of the on-field performances were inexcusable. However, as they say, every cloud has a silver lining. That said, we take a quick look at the player ratings in a remote bid to analyze what went wrong for the Lankans.

Tillakaratne Dilshan – 6/10

It was not secret that Tillakaratne Dilshan was in search of form since the start of the calendar year. The first two matches saw the 39-year-old unable to find his feet. However, an impressive and unbeaten 75 finally ensured that the faith in him had indeed paid off. He concluded the tournament  for Sri Lanka with 132 runs in the four matches played.

Dinesh Chandimal – 7/10

Perhaps the only consistent performer in the side, Chandimal impressed one and all with performances all round. He also led the side in the Sri Lanka’s final encounter in the tournament where he smashed a brisk half century. He was the highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka with 149 runs in 3 matches played.

Shehan Jayasuriya – 5/10

A baptism of fire followed for Shehan Jayasuriya as he was expected to perform on a big stage in trying conditions. The pressure got to the youngster as he managed just 43 runs in the tournament at an average of 10.75. He also picked up just the one wicket in the entire tournament despite the wicket assisting spinners to a certain extent.

Dasun Shanka – 2.5/10

In a nutshell, Dasun Shanaka has been in terrible form. Should the Sri Lankan selection panel be in a position to replace him, they would. An all-rounder by trade, Shanaka’s top score the entire tournament was 14. He aggregated just 20 runs the entire tournament, picking up 1 wicket.

Chamara Kapugedera – 4/10

One of the senior players in the side, Kapugedera’s Asia Cup campaign was a forgettable one. Expected to be a leader in the side, Kapugedera was the third highest run-scorer with just 54 runs. He is 78 runs behind second highest Tillakaratne Dilshan.

Angelo Mathews – 5/10

Injury and fitness concerns clouded Angelo Mathews prior to the Asia Cup. Although his numbers speak very little about his form, Mathews’ led an inexperienced Sri Lankan side against Bangladesh and India. His leadership qualities in the two games with limited resources are perhaps the only positives to take away. He managed just 38 runs and took the solitary wicket before being ruled out of the tie against Pakistan.

Milinda Siriwardana – 3/10

The southpaw had a horrific run in the tournament. His reputation as a lower-middle order finisher was decimated as he failed to cross the 10 run mark in the first two matches. He impressed with some big hitting in the subsequent tie against India with 22. With barely 35 runs in the tournament, Siriwardana is a contender for replacement prior to the start of the World T20.

Rangana Herath – 5/10

A wily left-arm orthodox spinner, Herath was perhaps the only player with a serious wicket-taking threat. Extremely witty and boasting of unequivocal economy rate, Herath averaged almost a wicket a game with his economy rate at 6.52 an over. He however, received little or no support at the other end as the other leaked runs in tandem.

Thisara Perera – 5/10

All-rounder Thisara Perera performed decently with bat and ball. However, he failed to live up to his potential as he was made to bat lower down the order and seldom got a chance to make an impact with the new ball. His 17 of 12 balls against India stood out as he reiterated his powerful striking abilities. He however, managed just 21 runs and a wicket in the entire tournament.

Nuwan Kulasekara – 6.5/10

Quite easily, the pick of the bowler, Kulasekera was the lone warrior of the Sri Lankan bowling attack. He picked up 7 wickets in the entire tournament with an impressive 3/10 against a stingy UAE. Should the Lankans have any sort of hope in the World Cup, Nuwan Kulasekara will be an integral part of the lineup.

Dushmantha Chameera – 6/10

Ran in, bowled with serious pace and hit the deck hard. Chameera too has been toiling hard in friendly conditions. Having played all four matches, Chameera has 3 wickets, all of which came in the match against Bangladesh.

Lasith Malinga – 7/10

Played just the one match in the tournament against the UAE. He impressed one and all with a stellar bowling performance, picking up 4/26. Malinga however, missed the rest of the Asia Cup with an injury.

Niroshan Dickwella, Sachitra Senanayake and Jeffery Vandersay didn’t play a single match in the tournament.

How did the UAE players fair in the Asia Cup T20? – Asia Cup T20 United Arab Emirates: Player Ratings