ODI World Cup 2023: 3 changes Sri Lanka should make to get back to winning ways

Sri Lanka started their ICC ODI World Cup 2023 tournament with a heavy loss against South Africa on Saturday, October 7, 2023. The match was played in Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium and saw South Africa break some records in World Cup cricket. The Proteas won by 102 runs in the end.

South Africa was asked to bat first by Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka, a decision he regretted. South Africa posted the highest World Cup total of 428/5. Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram hit centuries for Proteas. Markram hit the fastest century in World Cup history in 49 balls.

In reply, Kusal Mendis hammered 76 in 42 balls, while Charith Asalanka made 79 and captain Shanaka made 68 runs. But the target was too much for the Lankans, and they managed 326 runs and lost the match by 102 runs. This was a huge defeat for Dasun Shanaka and Co. and left them pondering some changes in how they play.

Here are 3 changes Sri Lanka should make to get back to winning ways in ODI World Cup 2023:

1. Openers need to contribute more 

The openers of Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka (0) and Kusal Perera (7) got out pretty early. In fact, Nissanka got out in the second over, while Perera got out in the eighth over, having scored seven runs in a partnership of 66 runs with Mendis. The lack of a strong start didn’t do Sri Lanka any good in the chase of 429 runs.

Both Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka are aggressive openers. But when the need arises, they need to take a bit of time before unleashing themselves against the opponents. Trying to hit the bowlers early without settling in caused Sri Lanka to capitulate despite the bravados of Mendis and Asalanka. Sri Lanka will benefit a lot if Perera and Nissanka lay them a solid platform to build on.