Lasith Malinga to retire after World T20 in 2020 [Update Post#17]

[MenInG]

http://www.cricketcountry.com/news/...nnounce-preliminary-squad-for-asia-cup-736658

The Asia Cup 2018 is going to be played in the 50 over format this year and is going to have six participating teams. With the tournament being played in the 50 over format, it would also serve as ideal preparation for the 2019 World Cup for the participants.

With less than a month to go for the tournament to start, Sri Lanka has announced a 31-man preliminary squad to kick off preparations for the event. Their training is expected to commence in early September. Dinesh Chandimal who was serving a ban handed out by SLC during the ODI and Test series against South Africa makes a return to the ODI setup. He played a match-winning knock of 36* in a low-scoring lone T20I against South Africa earlier this week, his first game after comeback from the ban.

The series will feature six teams in two groups. Group A consists of India, Pakistan and one team from qualifiers. Group B consists of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

Sri Lanka played well in the last two ODIs of the series with South Africa recently, even though they lost the series 2-3 in the final analysis. They are the defending champion of the 50-over Asia Cup, last time when it was held in this format in Bangladesh in 2014. Sri Lanka beat Pakistan convincingly in the final in that edition. It was the first time Afghanistan participated in the Asia Cup when it was held in 2014.

The 31 member squad features some new faces such as Shammu Ashan, Shehan Madushanka, Nishan Peiris, Kamindu Mendis and Jehan Daniel. Mendis recently played for the Sri Lanka U-19 side against the touring India Colts.

Sri Lanka will face Bangladesh in their opening game on September 15 in Dubai.

The 31 member preliminary squad:

Thisara Perera, Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Perera, Asela Gunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Dasun Shanaka, Lahiru Gamage, Vishwa Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Shehan Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara, Akila Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Amila Aponso, Lakshan Sadakan, Nishan Peiris, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Jehan Daniel, Shammu Ashan, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Asitha Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne.

 

[hadi123]

Some decent players. I expect them to make the super 4 and from there anything can happen!

 

[Sherlock]

I did say I expect both Bangladesh and SL to do well this tournament because I can't see India/Pakistan fielding their best players. India more-so than Pakistan.

 

[hadi123]

I did say I expect both Bangladesh and SL to do well this tournament because I can't see India/Pakistan fielding their best players. India more-so than Pakistan.

Pakistan will definitely field their best players. Even against a 2nd string Zimbabwe side we fielded more or less our full strength team.

 

[happydavy]

31 players preliminary squad? Isn't that a little too big considering 14-15 of 16 are kind of confirmed?

 

[Titan24]

Pakistan will definitely field their best players. Even against a 2nd string Zimbabwe side we fielded more or less our full strength team.

Yes I think the reason is pretty justifiable, our full strength teams lacks experience big time. You cant bench players of havent even played 20 matches.

Indian top 3 have more than 500 matches between them and our top 3 havent even played 100 matches between them. Our team is developing cant redt 23,24 years old players who havent played a lot of cricket.

 

[Nil Dhumrojal]

Very good squad. Could be SL vs BD final.

 

[Syed1]

SL is going through a bit of resurgence lately. I expect SL and Afg to qualify from Group B.

 

[Varun]

31 for this?

Did they pick every single Perera and Mendis in the island?

 

[Kohli The King of Chase]

31 for this?

Did they pick every single Perera and Mendis in the island?

And Kusal

 

[idrizzy]

They're gonna have the same squad as they did vsing SA. Surprised it's 31 names though, why not 23 how it normally is?

 

[MenInG]

Sri Lanka have recalled pacer Lasith Malinga and left-arm spinner Amila Aponso for the 2018 Asia Cup starting September 15.

The 16-member squad announced by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) will be led by allrounder Angelo Mathews with Kusal Perera to take over the wicketing duties after regular keeper and opener Niroshan Dickwella was omitted from the squad. Dickwella, however, is on the stand by list.

Malinga last played an ODI for Sri Lanka in 2017 against India was left out for the one-off T20I against South Africa in August.

Pacer Lahiru Kumara and left-arm spinner Lakshan Sandakan also failed to make it to the squad alongside batsman Shehan Jayasuriya.

All three were part of the Sri Lanka ODI squad for the recently concluded South Africa series. In the five ODI against the Proteas, Dickwella managed to go past the fifty run-mark only once and returned decent figures of 158 runs at an average of 31.60.

Sandakan played just one match of the series claiming one for 74 in his eight overs as South Africa beat Sri Lanka 3-2 in the series .

Aponso has been in good form in the SLC T20 League claiming six wickets in four matches and was rewarded with recall. The 25-year-old last played an ODI for Sri Lanka in June, 2017 against Zimbabwe.

Sri Lanka squad: Angelo Mathews (capt), Kushal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Danushka Gunathilaka, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka. Dhanajaya De Silva, Akila Dhananjaya, Dilruwan Perera, Amila Aponso, Kasun Rajitha, Suranga Lakmal, Dusmantha Chameera, Lasith Malinga

Asia Cup 2018 full schedule

Group Stage
15 September – Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (Dubai)
16 September – Pakistan vs Qualifier (Dubai)
17 September – Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi)
18 September – India vs Qualifier (Dubai)
19 September – India vs Pakistan (Dubai)
20 September – Bangladesh vs Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi)

Super Four
21 September – Group A Winner vs Group B Runner-up (Dubai)
21 September – Group B Winner vs Group A Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
23 September – Group A Winner vs Group A Runner-up (Dubai)
23 September – Group B Winner vs Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
25 September – Group A Winner vs Group B Winner (Dubai)
26 September – Group A Runner-up vs Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)

Final
28 September – Asia Cup 2018 Final (Dubai)

https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/sri-lanka-recall-lasith-malinga-for-asia-cup-2018-741302

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Don't think recalling Malinga is the right choice.He didn't have much left in the tank the last time he played international cricket.

 

[Hasan123]

Decent batting line up and some threatening spinners . But that pace attack is a worry. Also Matthews captaincy is a cause for concern.

 

[Sam99]

Malinga looked done during 2015 worldcup and they are still planning him to play 2019 worldcup?

 

[MoJoJoJo]

Malinga isn't the same bowler he used to be but he'll be very important for srilanka's chances in the Asia Cup.

 

[MenInG]

Sri Lanka's Test captain Dinesh Chandimal will take no part in his country's Asia Cup campaign after he failed to heal sufficiently from a finger injury sustained during the SLC T20 League 2018.

Wicket-keeper Niroshan Dickwella will take his place in the 16-man squad.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/846449

 

[light]

I don't think it's a smart move from the Lankans. He was a deadly bowler at one point but age did a number on him. Not the same venomous bowler anymore. Should groom a youngster for 2019 wc and move past Malinga.

 

[Hasan123]

Dickwella should have been in the squad originally.

 

[Varun]

‘Malinga fits into our equation’ – Hathurusingha

Lasith Malinga, 35 and not quite at his quickest any more, is back in the Sri Lanka 50-over squad for the Asia Cup 2018, and the team expect great things from him as usual.

Malinga played the last of his 204 one-day internationals in September 2017. Injuries, in the main, have kept him out of international cricket for long stretches both before and after that appearance, but he has been active in the Sri Lankan domestic circuit, and is now back in the national ODI side.

A total of 301 ODI wickets at an average of 28.92 and an economy rate of 5.31 marks Malinga out as one of the best in the game when at his peak.

Now, though, with Malinga returning to the squad around the time most teams are trying to get their ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 plans in place, it would seem that the veteran might be in the fray for one last splash at the marquee event – his fourth, if he makes it – and get a chance to add to his 43 wickets in 22 games, at a stunning average of 21.11.

“I believe that Malinga fits into our equation for this tournament,” said Chandika Hathurusingha, the Sri Lanka coach, before the team open their campaign against Bangladesh.

“He is one of the best death bowlers in the world. In the last few matches, he has performed well and his fitness is up to the mark.”

The team’s plans have been hampered somewhat, with Dinesh Chandimal, the senior batsman, and Danushka Gunathilaka, the batting all-rounder, dropping out with injuries. Niroshan Dickwella and Shehan Jayasuriya have come in as their replacements.

Sri Lanka’s campaign at the Asia Cup starts on the opening day itself, against Bangladesh, and then there are the Afghans waiting in Group B too.

“We don't take any team lightly and we have focused on aspects such as the dew and wet wickets which are the swaying challenges I see,” said Hathurusingha about dealing with the conditions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where the matches will be played.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/848188

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Dream start for Malinga.Currently on a hattrick.

 

[Zeeraq]

Malinga bowling really well.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lasith Malinga's first ODI for more than a year - 10 - 2 - 23 - 4 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/asiacup2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#asiacup2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BANvSL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BANvSL</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1040999638139060224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MoJoJoJo]

SL knocked out of asia cup. Poor display overall from a team which was the winner of last 50 overs asia cup.

 

[giri26]

Lasith Malinga not expecting World Cup chance

Sri Lanka paceman Lasith Malinga isn't expecting to play a part in next year's World Cup, but the veteran will be ready if given the opportunity.

Malinga turned back the clock with a vintage performance for his country on Saturday, with the 35-year-old showing his trademark variety and pace while picking up figures of 5-44 during Sri Lanka's ODI loss to England in Dambulla.

It was the kind of spell that Malinga has produced on many occasions in the past, as the wily veteran dismissed Jason Roy for a duck before coming back on late in England's innings to get rid of Eoin Morgan, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes and Liam Dawson.

But despite his efforts, Malinga remains unsure whether he will be selected to represent Sri Lanka and make a fourth World Cup appearance in England in 2019.

"I feel that if I get the chance to play the World Cup, I will – it will be my last World Cup," Malinga told reporters.

"I'm not expecting to get the chance, given the kinds of things that have happened to me over the recent past. But I will take it if it is given."

Malinga only just returned to Sri Lanka's one-day side, with the right-armer winning a reprieve for the recent Asia Cup that occurred shortly before the controversial departure of then captain Angelo Mathews.

While on a 12-month exodus from the Sri Lanka side, Malinga took part in a domestic Twenty20 tournament and then impressed during the Global T20 Canada league.

"I'm just a player. My only job is to play when I get the chance. When I was out of the team, I went and played in Canada. I also played the district competition and got the highest wickets," Malinga said.

"Thanks to those performances I got another chance at this level. Because I'm nearing the end of my career I'm motivated to get wickets.

England currently leads Sri Lanka 1-0 in the five-game ODI series, with the first match washed out following torrential rain.

Sri Lanka still have three more games in the series to find their best form and Malinga knows his team has to play much better if they want to remain competitive.

"England at the moment is the much better team. The World No.1 team. They have a good batting line-up," he said.

"But whoever we are playing against, we are just trying to play to our strengths.

"As an Asian country, we have to use our strength, get the pace down or something like that, the variations are very important to play the big sides.

The third match in the series will be played in Pallekele on Wednesday.

https://www.cricket.com.au/news/las...cup-sri-lanka-v-england-odi-series/2018-10-14

 

[MenInG]

Sri Lankan limited overs captain Lasith Malinga will retire from international cricket after next year’s Twenty20 World Cup, he revealed on Friday.

Malinga said that he would quit one-day internationals after the ICC World Cup 2019 in England and Wales this summer before calling time on his career following the Twenty20 tournament, being played in Australia over October-November 2020.

“After the World Cup, my cricketing career is ending,” the 35-year-old said after his his side were beaten by 16 runs by South Africa in the second Twenty20 international at SuperSport Park.

“I want to play in the T20 World Cup and then end my career.” (ALSO READ: Dimuth Karunaratne in contention to captain Sri Lanka at ICC World Cup 2019)

Malinga dismissed South Africa‘s top-scorer Reeza Hendricks for 65 on Friday, his 97th T20 international wicket. He is one short of the world record of 98 held by Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi.

https://www.cricketcountry.com/news...ional-cricket-after-2020-icc-world-t20-817943

 

[DHONI183]

So it seems like that he´ll stay on for another year or so. Fair enough; and why not? However, it´s still a long time away, so I thought of offering my tribute to this great man.

I still remember "that" match against South Africa from World Cup 2007. They were cruising towards a victory. My mother and elder sister wanted to catch up with a drama serial running on another channel, so I let them change the channel given how for a "boring" match it was. We turned back after the drama only to find out that South Africa have just one wicket left in hand! "Wow! How?! What just happened?!" Well, that man called Malinga, whose hairstyle back then made his face resemble to that of a lion, had taken four wickets in four balls - a feat yet unmatched in international cricket. I don´t rule out it being equaled one day in the future, but never will anyone take them in the kind of hopeless situation that his team found themselves in. It´s said that if the off-stump had hair, Malinga would´ve dismissed Robin Peterson too to win the most impossible ODI match ever perhaps. The ball went past so, so close to the stumps. It was madness. It was Lasith Malinga. It was perhaps the greatest executor of yorkers in Limited-Overs cricket.

I remember the World Cup Final 2011 too, mind you. Given his recent form in the tournament, and given such a big target in the final, the thought of Malinga bowling at the Indian batsmen under such severe pressure gave me sweats. I just prayed and hoped that Malinga would lose his senses and refuse to bowl for Sri Lanka, because it seemed that that would be the only way to nullify Malinga that evening. I´d feared that he´d just run through the Indian batting line-up, and my fears almost came true when he dismissed Sehwag and Tendulkar so early in the innings. Thankfully though, Gambhir, Kohli, Dhoni and Yuvraj did their job.

India had an excellent record against him. They´d play him really well. However, World T20 Final 2014 is a memory that he´d look back on and smile. Seven wickets in hand, a well-set Kohli combined with a dangerous Dhoni weren´t able to cause any damage at all off his bowling. His wide yorkers at the death were one of the biggest reason why Sri Lanka finally toppled India in a big match after quite a few years. Just wonderful, wonderful death bowling!

An in-form Malinga and an MS at his prime up against each other were one of the greatest sights in cricket, even in the IPL. One smart cricketer constantly trying to out-do another intelligent cricketer. The tie in Australia in 2012, in a match between India and Sri Lanka (read: MS and Malinga) was the fairest result ever that the game of cricket has yielded. Neither deserved to lose. It seemed as if God had planned it that way - even if Gambhir didn´t quite like it all that much.

It´s fitting really that he walks away from ODI cricket with a brilliant performance in the tournament against the mighty England batting line-up. He almost single-handedly overcame them. Fans around the world should thank him for throwing the tournament open that day, as without it the semi-finalists seemed almost locked until that point. Thank you Malinga!

 

[AdamM97]

Malinga is the only ’experienced’ player from South Asia that actually contributes to the team.