Asia Cup 2022: Super Four, Match 3 – Predicted Sri Lanka Playing XI vs India

Two of the most successful teams in the history of Asia Cup are all set to face each other. India, on one hand, will fight for their survival in the Asia Cup while Sri Lanka with a win can eye for their maiden final in eight long years. 

Interestingly, the Lankan lions weren’t the favourites to play the final according to many experts before the start of the tournament. They were ruled out after their first game against Afghanistan itself but fought their way back to the top and played some aggressive cricket which the spectators found very attractive. Their bowling still is a matter of concern but as long as they are winning, things are under control.

Against a strong opponent in the form of India, Sri Lanka need to keep their calm and hold their nerves. It’s expected to be a rollercoaster ride and the players need to be ready for that. Here’s how Sri Lanka can field their team against India -

Openers - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis

After a very disappointing start to the tournament, the duo looked in great touch against Bangladesh and Afghanistan in the last two matches. In the three matches so far, they have scored 110 runs in the form of the opening partnerships.

Nissanka’s strike rate can and should improve in the coming matches. With a strike-rate of 125, the 24-year-old scored 35 off 28 deliveries against Afghanistan in the last match. He has scored a total of 58 runs in the tournament so far. Against India, things will not be easy for Nissanka and thus, he should take advantage of the powerplay to settle down and unleash himself as the match progresses.

Kusal Mendis, on the other hand, looked much more calm and has played some good cricket so far. His aggressive nature gives Sri Lanka a good start and also gives Nissanka the time to settle down. He has scored 98 runs from the three matches he has played so far. Kusal Mendis against Bhuvneshwar Kumar is going to be a battle to look out for!

Middle Order - Charith Asalanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa

Charith Asalanka’s form has been pretty bad in the tournament so far. With 8, 1 and 0 in the last three matches, Asalanka is yet to come to the party. His career strike-rate of 120.45 in T20Is is also a matter of concern in the Sri Lankan team. If his form fails to improve, Sri Lanka might have to bench him in the coming days.

Danushka Gunathilaka provides the much-needed strength that a team needs in the middle order. He loves to play freely and that has helped Sri Lanka in the tournament so far. With 61 runs from three matches that he has played, Gunathilaka needs to capitalise on his good starts. Even though he has a career strike-rate of 123.37, he can accelerate whenever he wants.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa is known to time the ball well. He has been a rock-solid player for Sri Lanka in the tournament so far but many believe that No. 3 is the correct position for him to bat. With 31 off 14 deliveries against Afghanistan in the last match, the 30-year-old has scored 71 runs in the tournament so far.

All rounders - Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne

Captain Dasun Shanaka is the backbone of this team. He has led Sri Lanka well so far and scored 55 runs in the tournament so far. Shanaka’s 45 off 33 against Bangladesh is the reason why the Lankans are still a part of this tournament. His strike-rate of 117.19 in T20Is can be a worrying sign but the 30-year-old can go big when the time comes. He has just bowled two overs in the tournament and has been pretty average.

Wanindu Hasaranga is considered as the poster boy of Sri Lankan cricket but his performance so depicts another story. After a very successful Indian Premier League 2022, he was thought to rule world cricket but has scored only 20 runs in the tournament so far. The 25-year-old has also picked three wickets in the tournament so far.

Even though Chamika Karunaratne is considered as a bowling all-rounder, his batting has been better in the tournament so far. The 26-year-old has scored 52 runs in the tournament so far. The right-arm medium fast bowler has also notched up two wickets in the three matches that he has played.

Bowlers - Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka

Maheesh Theekshana has picked two wickets in the tournament so far and has had a decent economy rate. In the 12 overs that he has bowled so far in the tournament, the spinner has given away 87 runs. Against a quality Indian side, his form is crucial for Sri Lanka in the match. He needs to improve in order to keep India under pressure.

The 25-year-old Asitha Fernando hasn’t been any better. He has picked two wickets in the tournament and given away 85 runs from the eight overs that he has bowled so far.

Dilshan Madushanka has picked up three wickets in the tournament so far and gave away 72 runs from the nine overs that he has bowled. He can start the innings with the new ball in his hand.

Sri Lanka's Predicted Playing XI against India: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka