T20 World Cup 2021 Team Preview - Sri Lanka

When it comes to the World Cup of the shortest format, Sri Lanka has more often than not been a team full of surprises. Their history in the tournament has been pretty much impressive. Ever since the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup, the team has pulled out some splendid performances to maintain their good run in the tournament. Sri Lanka has played in every single tournament since the beginning and has finished runners-up in 2009 and 2012 before finally lifting the trophy by emerging triumphant over India in 2014 final.

Build up form

Before entering this tournament, Sri Lanka has had a roller coaster of a journey. The team was completely outplayed by England in the white ball series and then were placed under major scrutiny for their performances against the hosts. Sri Lanka was hammered in England wherein they couldn’t fetch a single victory. However, the side has tried to punch above their weights to turn the tide after their lows of the England tour.

They won an ODI against India and then also sealed the T20I series 2-1. Taking on the challenge against South Africa, the team did win the ODI series 2-1 but eventually were clean swept 3-0 by the Proteas in the T20Is. They then got the opportunity to seal the holes in the side ahead of this marquee event when they locked horns with Oman. Sri Lanka won both the matches and would have polished off their edges before entering the T20 World Cup.

Strength and Weakness

Talking of their strengths, Sri Lanka will be pinning a lot of hopes on their spin department. The golden form of Wanindu Hasaranga who has turned many heads with his lethal bowling will be a great advantage for the side in the tournament. He is currently the number-two ranked bowler in the ICC T20I rankings having made pivotal contributions to the side.

Maheesh Theekshana might also chime in as a mystery spin option for Sri Lanka. He has quite a few variations under his sleeves and possesses the ability to disturb the batters with the tricks he has in his bag. He registered the best figures for a Sri Lanka ODI debutant against South Africa when he scalped 4 wickets for 37.

The area of concern for the Dasun Shanaka-led side is their batting consistency. In recent years, the team hasn’t been able to put big totals on board whilst batting first. After scoring 210 against Bangladesh in the year 2018, Sri Lanka went past the 180-run mark just once when batting first. Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, and Niroshan Dickwella have been the key names in the T20Is for the nation. But considering their ban, they were left out from the squad for the high-profile tournament.

The middle-order hasn’t looked too comfortable in the recent past as they aren’t able to hold the fort of the side. They also made a lot of changes in their middle-order lineup that scored runs at a very low average. Another worry for them can be their limited pace bowling options. With just three influential names- Chamika Karunaratne, Nuwan Pradeep, and Dushmantha Chameera it might haunt the team in this long tournament.

Their bowling attack depends heavily on Hasaranga and Chameera who have been instrumental for the team in 2021. The newcomers though bring in a lot of excitement to the side, their numbers are not too staggering and Sri Lanka will hope that they shine for them.

Players to Watch Out For

Adaptability and Flexibility

Though batting is not their strongest point, it cannot be ignored that they have a few pivotal names that are expected to play a big role. Chamika Karunaratne can take up the mantle for the team up as well as down the order, depending on the situation. Perera, Shanaka, and Gunathilaka have the considerable ability and experience to knock the ball around and chip in crucial runs for the side.

The handy contributions of the players who can take the charge of both the bat and the ball can turn this lineup into a much more stable one. Chamika Karunaratne is a genuine all-rounder for Sri Lanka. His heroics down the order had already caught the attention of many. He adds a great depth and belief in Sri Lanka’s outfit. Hasaranga is also capable of hitting some big shots that can help them amidst a spot of bother.

Probable finish

The Lankans head into the T20 World Cup 2021 as a team less discussed. They are currently ranked 10th in the ICC T20I rankings and owing to it, Sri Lanka has to play the qualifiers in order to proceed to the Super 12 stage. The team is placed in Group A of Round 1 which also accommodates Ireland, the Netherlands, and Namibia.

The team will kick start their campaign against debutants Namibia on 18 October in Abu Dhabi. They will conclude their Group A fixtures on 22 October with a match in Sharjah against the Netherlands. Sri Lanka is expected to end in the top two of their Group taking into account their huge experience of playing in the tournament. But there are less chances of them going through to the semi-finals.

Schedule

October 18 – vs Namibia, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

October 20 – vs Ireland, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

October 22 – vs Netherlands, Sharjah Cricket Stadium