[VIDEOS] Can Sri Lanka win the ICC World Cup 2023?

[mominsaigol]

Surprisingly I see no one talking about Sri Lanka making the headlines.

Sri Lanka imo has always been a decent team, and people forget their the winners of the Asia cup last year. Personally imo, they did not deserve to play the qualifiers and they were relatively undefeated during that tenure.

Yes I am aware, Pakistan recently thrashed them and I'm not here to critically analyse each and every player In their team. However I feel like their the dark horse of this world cup. They've always been a very very good tournament team and they know how to compete.

People are eyeing Pakistan, India, Australia, England and NZ. I think keep your eyes open for Sri Lanka, they did secure a series win against Australia and Asia cup not too long ago.

 

[mominsaigol]

This thread is only about Sri Lanka's chances, so keep all discussions on analysing their current cricket team, rather then comparing to other teams atm, I'm already aware that England, Australia, Pakistan, India and NZ are on paper better teams.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Usually, this is the case that nobody talks about Sri Lanka before an event but they have consistently performed well in major tournaments.

and this time they are playing at the home ground.

 

[Heisenberg111]

Naah, Sri Lanka just can't win the World Cup, Asia Cup maybe they can.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Naah, Sri Lanka just can't win the World Cup, Asia Cup maybe they can.

Since the World Cup is also taking place in the subcontinent we cannot say that Sri Lanka can't win the World Cup.

They play very good cricket especially in Asian conditions.

 

[mominsaigol]

Naah, Sri Lanka just can't win the World Cup, Asia Cup maybe they can.

Sri lanka beat a full strength Australia, they beat Afghanistan as well this year and their players outperformed us in the LPL minus that babar century, and they won last year Asia cup.

As I already said, YES, on paper England, Australia, NZ, India and Pakistan are clearly stronger but in WC and Asia Cups its also about mentality.

Theirs a reason why South Africa even in their peak with hashim amla, Dale Steyn, morne morkel, AB de devillers etc could never even make it to the quarterfinals and lost to a mediocre borderline minnow Level Pakistan in 2015. They just don't have tournament mentality.

Sri lanka ironically has better tournament mentality then India and Pakistan, currently we're stronger as a unit, but Sri lanka doesn't choke usually. If they lose, they genuinely lose because the other team played better, not because they botched it like we did against Australia In 1999, 2010 t20 world cup and in 2021 t20 world cup. Sane with India who are the biggest chockers since 10 years now.

Only time Sri lanka chocked was in the champions trophy against Pakistan. They should have run out the sarfraz, amir Duo and taken the sarfraz easy catch to win.

 

[ahmadharis1]

They needed Hasaranga, he was their match winner

 

[Major]

They dont have batters nor any very good bowlers. The team is in tatters.

 

[mominsaigol]

They dont have batters nor any very good bowlers. The team is in tatters.

I agree with you to a certain extent, but mindset matters. A minnow 2015 pakistan team beat an all-star south Africa team composed of amla, ab de debillers, Steyn and morkel etc due to South Africa's poor mindset in tournaments.

Similarly a pakistan team that was slowly rebuilding but overall not very good in 2017 beat Prime England and a much much stronger Indian team then the one that is currently headed to the world cup.

Sri lanka in 2021 beat Australia, they beat Afghanistan in 2023 and they did well In LPL.

They are not a stronger team then aus, Eng, NZ, Pak or Ind but their mindset in tournaments is superior to both India and pak. Although England, Aus and NZ have a superior overall mindset to win.

 

[Major]

I agree with you to a certain extent, but mindset matters. A minnow 2015 pakistan team beat an all-star south Africa team composed of amla, ab de debillers, Steyn and morkel etc due to South Africa's poor mindset in tournaments.

Similarly a pakistan team that was slowly rebuilding but overall not very good in 2017 beat Prime England and a much much stronger Indian team then the one that is currently headed to the world cup.

Sri lanka in 2021 beat Australia, they beat Afghanistan in 2023 and they did well In LPL.

They are not a stronger team then aus, Eng, NZ, Pak or Ind but their mindset in tournaments is superior to both India and pak. Although England, Aus and NZ have a superior overall mindset to win.

we had bowlers though. Sri lanka doesnt dominate in a single department, and that is a major concern. Playing qualifying tournaments losing to minnows.

In India, a weaker side can always have a good world cup with a good squad selection. 2011 world cup, Pakistan reached the semi finals because of a very good squad selection. We had 4 spinners in the squad as India has spin friendly wickets. We had Misbah in the middle order that could bat out the innings.

Sri Lanka has none of those. The team seems lost, and hoping for someone to show up and do something for them. Chandimal turned out to be there version of Umar Akmal

 

[ChennaiFan]

I agree with you to a certain extent, but mindset matters. A minnow 2015 pakistan team beat an all-star south Africa team composed of amla, ab de debillers, Steyn and morkel etc due to South Africa's poor mindset in tournaments.

Similarly a pakistan team that was slowly rebuilding but overall not very good in 2017 beat Prime England and a much much stronger Indian team then the one that is currently headed to the world cup.

Sri lanka in 2021 beat Australia, they beat Afghanistan in 2023 and they did well In LPL.

They are not a stronger team then aus, Eng, NZ, Pak or Ind but their mindset in tournaments is superior to both India and pak. Although England, Aus and NZ have a superior overall mindset to win.

On the one hand, you are advocating to not compare with other teams. But you are doing the same in this thread

Here is my opinion: Sri Lanka's pace bowling is very average and their main pacer Chameera is injured. He may come back for the WC. Their spin bowling is good. Their opening batsmen are inconsistent and not all middle-order batters perform well as a unit.

+ Good Spin bowling
+ Decent middle-order batting

- Inconsistent opening
- Average pace bowling

Overall: They will struggle to reach the Semis.

 

[mominsaigol]

we had bowlers though. Sri lanka doesnt dominate in a single department, and that is a major concern. Playing qualifying tournaments losing to minnows.

In India, a weaker side can always have a good world cup with a good squad selection. 2011 world cup, Pakistan reached the semi finals because of a very good squad selection. We had 4 spinners in the squad as India has spin friendly wickets. We had Misbah in the middle order that could bat out the innings.

Sri Lanka has none of those. The team seems lost, and hoping for someone to show up and do something for them. Chandimal turned out to be there version of Umar Akmal

Yeah I do agree with you this time around. I was just wondering if they could potentially be a dark horse like they have been in the past, but it is wishful thinking.

Still you never know, Cricket is a strange game.

 

[mominsaigol]

On the one hand, you are advocating to not compare with other teams. But you are doing the same in this thread

Here is my opinion: Sri Lanka's pace bowling is very average and their main pacer Chameera is injured. He may come back for the WC. Their spin bowling is good. Their opening batsmen are inconsistent and not all middle-order batters perform well as a unit.

+ Good Spin bowling
+ Decent middle-order batting

- Inconsistent opening
- Average pace bowling

Overall: They will struggle to reach the Semis.

"But you are doing the same in this thread" sorry .

Don't you think their spin bowling is a dangerous factor? Especially for Asia cup?

 

[ChennaiFan]

"But you are doing the same in this thread" sorry .

Don't you think their spin bowling is a dangerous factor? Especially for Asia cup?

No worries at all

1. Maheesh Theekshana was not in good form during the majority of IPL. I haven't watched him much after that.
2. Wanidu Hasaranga is a good leggie. But I believe he is not that great against good batting teams. In franchise cricket, the average quality of the batting and the need to go hard influence his effectiveness. But, in ODI's, the teams can play the waiting game. He will also be coming out of injury break.
So, I don't consider their sping bowling dangerous. Sure, they can compete well. In the Asia Cup, I don't expect them to qualify for the final.

 

[mominsaigol]

No worries at all

1. Maheesh Theekshana was not in good form during the majority of IPL. I haven't watched him much after that.
2. Wanidu Hasaranga is a good leggie. But I believe he is not that great against good batting teams. In franchise cricket, the average quality of the batting and the need to go hard influence his effectiveness. But, in ODI's, the teams can play the waiting game. He will also be coming out of injury break.
So, I don't consider their sping bowling dangerous. Sure, they can compete well. In the Asia Cup, I don't expect them to qualify for the final.

I agree, Sri lanka has always been a dark horse in tournaments but this time I think their 202e team is borderline minnow Level unlike last time.

 

[VForVendetta]

Lankans will be really lucky & I guess extremely happy if they can somehow manage themselves among top 6 in the world cup. Because I see the chance of that happening is little to none. Other than the Dutch, there isn't a single opponent you can confidently say they can defeat. Your statement of them being a good tournament team is a thing of past. They were an absolute beast from 96-15, no doubt. Whenever they would take part in an icc event they would usually bring their best irrespective of their bilateral form. But since then after their legends departure, they have been horrible. Not a single time they've managed to make it to a semifinal & I see that not changing this time around. Had it been t20 format I would've given them an outside chance atleast as a dark horse, but on 50 overs the gap between them & most of the traditional teams are just too much at this stage. The reality is they've never been able to replace Sanga,Jaya,Dilshan & Malinga. They may pull out a couple of surprises in asia cup due to home advantage, but in world cup I see literally no chance for them to do anything spectacular. They are just too hopeless at the moment.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Sri Lanka always enters any tournament as an underdog yet every time in major tournaments this team delivers a distinct performance.

 

[mominsaigol]

Lankans will be really lucky & I guess extremely happy if they can somehow manage themselves among top 6 in the world cup. Because I see the chance of that happening is little to none. Other than the Dutch, there isn't a single opponent you can confidently say they can defeat. Your statement of them being a good tournament team is a thing of past. They were an absolute beast from 96-15, no doubt. Whenever they would take part in an icc event they would usually bring their best irrespective of their bilateral form. But since then after their legends departure, they have been horrible. Not a single time they've managed to make it to a semifinal & I see that not changing this time around. Had it been t20 format I would've given them an outside chance atleast as a dark horse, but on 50 overs the gap between them & most of the traditional teams are just too much at this stage. The reality is they've never been able to replace Sanga,Jaya,Dilshan & Malinga. They may pull out a couple of surprises in asia cup due to home advantage, but in world cup I see literally no chance for them to do anything spectacular. They are just too hopeless at the moment.

They beat 2021 Australia and won the last asua Cup, all without malinga, Sanga, Dilshan, Thranga, Mahela etc etc.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Since the World Cup is also taking place in the subcontinent we cannot say that Sri Lanka can't win the World Cup.

They play very good cricket especially in Asian conditions.

We can definitely say that. Playing good cricket for 3-4 matches is not the same as playing good cricket for 11 matches .

SL can possibly do the former but most certainly can't do the latter.

 

[VForVendetta]

They beat 2021 Australia and won the last asua Cup, all without malinga, Sanga, Dilshan, Thranga, Mahela etc etc.

You just echoed what I already mentioned, they might've have had an outside chance if it was a t20 tournament.

 

[Bewal Express]

During this century SL or NZ always( almost) reach the final.

 

[Cric1234]

They beat 2021 Australia and won the last asua Cup, all without malinga, Sanga, Dilshan, Thranga, Mahela etc etc.

That was T20s this ODIs different format.

 

[sweep_shot]

Highly unlikely.

Much weaker now.

 

[sam_ahm]

They don't have a good team at all. If you are saying a pace attack of Rajitha, Kumara, Pathirana (bowling 12 ball overs) , Shanaka is going to win a World Cup, then I don't know what to say.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

They don't have a good team at all. If you are saying a pace attack of Rajitha, Kumara, Pathirana (bowling 12 ball overs) , Shanaka is going to win a World Cup, then I don't know what to say.

SL also have a terrible record in India going all the way back to 2005.

It's between India/OZ/PAK/ENG/SA. No other team stands a chance of winning.

 

[mominsaigol]

SL also have a terrible record in India going all the way back to 2005.

It's between India/OZ/PAK/ENG/SA. No other team stands a chance of winning.

Aus not south Africa.

SA tournament record is hilarious and a meme at this point.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Aus not south Africa.

SA tournament record is hilarious and a meme at this point.

I have already mentioned OZ. I'm not saying SA will win. But they,potentially, have a strong team and do well in India , usually. Their chances are better than the likes of NZ, SL, BD etc.

 

[Usman Chadda]

I have already mentioned OZ. I'm not saying SA will win. But they,potentially, have a strong team and do well in India , usually. Their chances are better than the likes of NZ, SL, BD etc.

It’s going to be a great World Cup. No clear favourites for the first time in a long time I guess.

Besides Netherlands and maybe Afghanistan, there are no ‘weak’ teams either.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

It’s going to be a great World Cup. No clear favourites for the first time in a long time I guess.

Besides Netherlands and maybe Afghanistan, there are no ‘weak’ teams either.

Yes of course. You can't take any team lightly. There are no outright favourites but 2019 was very competitive too. England barely won that cup. I expect this to be even better and there will be a couple of upsets. But apart from those 5 sides, the others are unlikely to make the semis. But should be a fascinating World Cup nonetheless.

 

[mominsaigol]

In my opinion this world cup is better then the last world cup for a few reasons.

A) For 2019 world cup I always expected england to win and dominate because they were just too strong at that time. Now yes I was wrong in a way because England did get upset by Pakistan, Sri lanka and had to rely on beating India to get to the semi's and they lucked out against NZ but they were still the Strongest team.

And I expected them to win.

This time it's different. All the teams seems balanced and even. Imo if I was to rank each team in terms of strength this world cup it would be

A) England (Strongest team but not as strong as their 2019 counterpart this time around).

B) Australia ( 2nd strongest, probably the best bowling team atm)

C) India ( This is controversial but I think India is slightly stronger then pak atm, but the current Indian team entering into this world cup is the weakest I've seen in a while. Hands down this team is weaker then their 2011, 2015 and 2019 counterparts.)

D) Pakistan ( Debatable with India, for the first time Pakistan has a world class top order, decent middle order(need saud), and a killer bowling unit that threatens any team atm)

E) NZ ( Kane Willamson being absent is a huge huge blow)

F) Sri Lanka/ Bangladesh (Pretty even teams atm, can cause a few upsets)

G) Afghanistan ( can cause a few upsets but don't have the mentality tonprogress)

H) South Africa ( every world cup ove seen these guys play, they perform horribly, idk if its bad luck or just their mindset isn't for the world cup, they'll perform poorly this tournament too, Mark my words not much will change)

I) Netherlands ( Might cause a few suprises)

 

[mominsaigol]

I love how no one is talking about Sri lanka even though, their pretty much already in the Asia cup super 4 at this point.

I'm telling you, the dark horse is coming.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

hahaha yeah true.. Sri Lanka consistently begins the tournament quietly and eventually emerges as the victors.

 

[mominsaigol]

Does everyone still doubt my analytical predictions .

 

[pakpassfan]

SL also have a terrible record in India going all the way back to 2005.

It's between India/OZ/PAK/ENG/SA. No other team stands a chance of winning.

SA those chokers...no way..I will put my money over SL than SA

 

[Nikhil_cric]

SA those chokers...no way..I will put my money over SL than SA

Sri Lanka consistently get smashed in Indian conditions. You'll lose your money.

 

[mominsaigol]

Jee boys, Still underrated Sri lanka after they've been the best team so far this Asia cup?

 

[mominsaigol]

Jee boys, Not going to comment when Sri lanka is winning Asia cup? And dominating India?

My prediction wasn't that far off.

After aus and England, keep an eye in Sri Lanka lol, their a strong tournament side

 

[Rana]

Just realised that the following players are not available for Sri Lanka in this tournament, all are great players too:

1. Bhanuka Rajapaksa
2. Wanindu Hasaranga
3. Angelo Mathews
4. Niroshan Dickwella
5. Madhushanka
6. Lahiru Kumara
7. Binura Fernando
8. Dinesh Chandimal

1. So my first question is, are Mathews and Chandimal still available to represent SL for the World Cup or are they retired? Both senior players looked brilliant for their franchises in the LPL, and they would strongly enhance the batting of Sri Lanka. Mathews can still bowl the odd few overs, is clutch under pressure and still a great player of spin.

2. Is Rajapaksa in SL’s plans for the World Cup or he is expected to not make the squad? Without a doubt he is a class player

3. Are SL going with this attack of Rajitha, Pathirana, Theekshana, Walalage and Shanaka as their 5 bowlers for the World Cup, or surely they will add 2-3 of those bowlers missing in the list?

My ideal SL first XI:

1. Mendis
2. Nisanka
3. Chandimal
4. Rajapaksa
5. Asalanka
6. Mathews
7. Hasaranga
8. Wallalage
9. Pathirana
10. Rajitha
11. Madhushanka

 

[mominsaigol]

All are good players imo, but I think angelo mattews is done. Not that he's a bad player but I think age caught up to him. Don't think he's in it for the world cup pressure stage anymore.

 

[Rana]

Just realised that the following players are not available for Sri Lanka in this tournament, all are great players too:

1. Bhanuka Rajapaksa
2. Wanindu Hasaranga
3. Angelo Mathews
4. Niroshan Dickwella
5. Madhushanka
6. Lahiru Kumara
7. Binura Fernando
8. Dinesh Chandimal

1. So my first question is, are Mathews and Chandimal still available to represent SL for the World Cup or are they retired? Both senior players looked brilliant for their franchises in the LPL, and they would strongly enhance the batting of Sri Lanka. Mathews can still bowl the odd few overs, is clutch under pressure and still a great player of spin.

2. Is Rajapaksa in SL’s plans for the World Cup or he is expected to not make the squad? Without a doubt he is a class player

3. Are SL going with this attack of Rajitha, Pathirana, Theekshana, Walalage and Shanaka as their 5 bowlers for the World Cup, or surely they will add 2-3 of those bowlers missing in the list?

My ideal SL first XI:

1. Mendis
2. Nisanka
3. Chandimal
4. Rajapaksa
5. Asalanka
6. Mathews
7. Hasaranga
8. Wallalage
9. Pathirana
10. Rajitha
11. Madhushanka

I realised I’ve dropped the captain

Honestly speaking, he doesn’t really make the XI for me. It should be Hasaranga who leads SL

 

[Rana]

All are good players imo, but I think angelo mattews is done. Not that he's a bad player but I think age caught up to him. Don't think he's in it for the world cup pressure stage anymore.

Mathews is still a great batsman. He knows how to play under pressure

 

[mominsaigol]

Mathews is still a great batsman. He knows how to play under pressure

Fair enough

 

[Rana]

Wallalage and Hasaranga will run rings around teams

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Just realised that the following players are not available for Sri Lanka in this tournament, all are great players too:

1. Bhanuka Rajapaksa
2. Wanindu Hasaranga
3. Angelo Mathews
4. Niroshan Dickwella
5. Madhushanka
6. Lahiru Kumara
7. Binura Fernando
8. Dinesh Chandimal

1. So my first question is, are Mathews and Chandimal still available to represent SL for the World Cup or are they retired? Both senior players looked brilliant for their franchises in the LPL, and they would strongly enhance the batting of Sri Lanka. Mathews can still bowl the odd few overs, is clutch under pressure and still a great player of spin.

2. Is Rajapaksa in SL’s plans for the World Cup or he is expected to not make the squad? Without a doubt he is a class player

3. Are SL going with this attack of Rajitha, Pathirana, Theekshana, Walalage and Shanaka as their 5 bowlers for the World Cup, or surely they will add 2-3 of those bowlers missing in the list?

My ideal SL first XI:

1. Mendis
2. Nisanka
3. Chandimal
4. Rajapaksa
5. Asalanka
6. Mathews
7. Hasaranga
8. Wallalage
9. Pathirana
10. Rajitha
11. Madhushanka

You have missed Dushmanta Chameera, he is arguably their best pace bowler. Their bowling attack will be too good once each and every member is available.

 

[Rana]

You have missed Dushmanta Chameera, he is arguably their best pace bowler. Their bowling attack will be too good once each and every member is available.

I missed his name in the list but he is a spray gun. Rajitha makes the cut because under lights, swinging conditions this guy is a handful

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Bowling attack of 3 pacers comprising of Chameera, Madushanka & Pathirana along with 3 spinners in Hasaranga, Theekshana & Wellalage.

Also with Dhananjaya, Asalanka & Shanaka as more than part time bowlers available.

They probably have one of the best all round bowling attack.

 

[Rana]

Bowling attack of 3 pacers comprising of Chameera, Madushanka & Pathirana along with 3 spinners in Hasaranga, Theekshana & Wellalage.

Also with Dhananjaya, Asalanka & Shanaka as more than part time bowlers available.

They probably have one of the best all round bowling attack.

Oh yes I missed Theekshana

 

[RexRex]

Just realised that the following players are not available for Sri Lanka in this tournament, all are great players too:

1. Bhanuka Rajapaksa
2. Wanindu Hasaranga
3. Angelo Mathews
4. Niroshan Dickwella
5. Madhushanka
6. Lahiru Kumara
7. Binura Fernando
8. Dinesh Chandimal

That is a great roster of talent they're missing. I'm getting 1996 vibes reg. SL for the upcoming WC.

 

[sweep_shot]

Even though I do not think Sri Lanka will win the next World Cup, they are slowly starting to get a stable and strong side.

Old dominant Sri Lanka may return soon.

 

[kron]

This thread is only about Sri Lanka's chances, so keep all discussions on analysing their current cricket team, rather then comparing to other teams atm, I'm already aware that England, Australia, Pakistan, India and NZ are on paper better teams.

100% Sri Lanka can.

I have said this before and will say it again. They have a very strong pace attack. On par with pak and India.

Lahiru, chameera and madushanaka.

Hasaranga their best spinner is also missing.

 

[hassan918]

Sri Lanka performance seems to be improving with every match in this Asia Cup and they are likely to do well in the World Cup but winning the World Cup doesn't seem likely.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

If Chameera is at his best, he needs to return, then they need a left arm seamer - Madushanka maybe and Hasaranga back. Kusal Perera ahead of Karuna as well.

That's a very skilled side. Problem is SL players are mental midgets. Terrible running between the wickets, nervous while chasing, Mendis was horrible while keeping and missed 4 chances vs Pakistan etc.

They don't have the champions mentality of the previous gen. - Sanath, Aravinda, Arjuna, Vaas, Murali etc.

 

[ExpressPacer]

If Chameera is at his best, he needs to return, then they need a left arm seamer - Madushanka maybe and Hasaranga back. Kusal Perera ahead of Karuna as well.

That's a very skilled side. Problem is SL players are mental midgets. Terrible running between the wickets, nervous while chasing, Mendis was horrible while keeping and missed 4 chances vs Pakistan etc.

They don't have the champions mentality of the previous gen. - Sanath, Aravinda, Arjuna, Vaas, Murali etc.

That was 2 generations ago! But agreed.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

That was 2 generations ago! But agreed.

They still had Dilshan, Malinga, Mahela and Sanga. Heck, even Thisara Perera could be a real match-winner on his day. Current team doesn't have enough characters of that ilk.

 

[ExpressPacer]

They still had Dilshan, Malinga, Mahela and Sanga. Heck, even Thisara Perera could be a real match-winner on his day. Current team doesn't have enough characters of that ilk.

Yep! Although Kusak Perera is good but has not lived to his potential.

I think the problem with Sri Lanka is the lack of a consistent set of players. They either chop and change way too much or their players get found out after a couple of games.

They’ve played so, so, so many players over the last few years without any one team getting a consistent run. I struggle to name any of their players other than Mendis and maybe Hasaranga.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Yep! Although Kusak Perera is good but has not lived to his potential.

I think the problem with Sri Lanka is the lack of a consistent set of players. They either chop and change way too much or their players get found out after a couple of games.

They’ve played so, so, so many players over the last few years without any one team getting a consistent run. I struggle to name any of their players other than Mendis and maybe Hasaranga.

Yeah that's true as well. The only reason they are doing even this much is because of Mickey and Silverwood.

 

[Bhaijaan]

If Sri Lanka wins, cricket will be the biggest winner.

 

[gazza619]

If Sri Lanka wins, cricket will be the biggest winner.

Why is that?

 

[gazza619]

Yep! Although Kusak Perera is good but has not lived to his potential.

I think the problem with Sri Lanka is the lack of a consistent set of players. They either chop and change way too much or their players get found out after a couple of games.

They’ve played so, so, so many players over the last few years without any one team getting a consistent run. I struggle to name any of their players other than Mendis and maybe Hasaranga.

This Perera guy always looks so mighty dangerous. SL should stick with him for the WC regardless of his inconsistencies.

 

[BouncerGuy]

I am looking at Sri Lanka being the world champions. My 4 Semi finalists are Autralia, England, india, and Pakistan.

 

[Mamoon]

Absolutely not. Sri Lanka is a nothing team and they have as much of a chance of going all the way as Afghanistan, Bangladesh and West Indies.

Nothing has changed after the Asia Cup final capitulation.

 

[Rana]

Dasun Shanaka likely to step down.

I hope Babar and Shadab also have the decency. They are not up to mark as leaders

 

[Rana]

Absolutely not. Sri Lanka is a nothing team and they have as much of a chance of going all the way as Afghanistan, Bangladesh and West Indies.

Nothing has changed after the Asia Cup final capitulation.

Your being harsh

They have more individual match winners than Pakistan

 

[Mamoon]

Your being harsh

They have more individual match winners than Pakistan

Sri Lanka have a few good players but also a few players who wouldn’t get into an associate team.

They get overhyped a lot on this forum. There is nothing special about them at all.

When you worse than Pakistan it says a lot about how bad you are and I would put Sri Lanka below Pakistan.

Full-strength Pakistan beats full-strength Sri Lanka in an ODI series 9/10 times everywhere.

 

[Rana]

Sri Lanka have a few good players but also a few players who wouldn’t get into an associate team.

They get overhyped a lot on this forum. There is nothing special about them at all.

When you worse than Pakistan it says a lot about how bad you are and I would put Sri Lanka below Pakistan.

Full-strength Pakistan beats full-strength Sri Lanka in an ODI series 9/10 times everywhere.

Which players are you referring to?

The players I know are:

Hasaranga
Kusal Mendis
Kusal Perera
Wallalage
Theekshana
Rajapaksa (if he is selected)
Nissanka

These are all good players mate. Yes they won’t topple the big teams but they will easily push for the 4th spot against the middling ones

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Silverwood has been doing good work with SL LOI side. Their pace attack has the biggest pool currently in all their history. (Chameera, Rajitha, Binura, Asitha, Kumara, Matheesha, Madushanka etc)
Kusal Mendis hasn't taken his game to the level he was expected to. Nissanka and Karunaratne are steady if not explosive.
Their biggest weakness is actually their captain who is batting a bit too high or doesn't bowl well enough to be considered as a 5th bowler.

So they will be steady but not the toppers. Hasaranga is their x factor though.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Why is that?

Because they’re the most loved underdogs in cricket

 

[BouncerGuy]

Love is not the criterion to win World cups or else Pakistan would have won 4-5 world cups already.

 

[gazza619]

Because they’re the most loved underdogs in cricket

They were.

Count Pakistan out of the supporter list plz.

 

[MenInG]

Still not announced their WC squad.

==

Sri Lanka are holding out hope that star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga can still play a role during the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

Hasaranga is still battling the hamstring injury he picked up during last month's playoffs of the Lankan Premier League and
While Sri Lanka know that time is running out for Hasaranga to prove his fitness prior to their World Cup opener against South Africa in Delhi on October 7, the team are still exploring every avenue to allow the right-armer to feature at the 50-over showcase.

“We are consulting foreign doctors to see whether he needs surgery or not. If he does, he will be out for at least three months. At the moment, the situation is not that great and it’s highly unlikely if he can play the World Cup,” Sri Lanka medical panel head Arjuna de Silva told The Sunday Times newspaper in Sri Lanka.

“Since he is a key weapon in our attack, we are looking at other options to see how best we can get his services at least for important games. All that depends on the opinions of the consultant to whom we are trying to show his reports.”

If Hasaranga was to miss the entire World Cup then the team's bowling stocks would be severely depleted given his capabilities of performing well on the big stage.

Hasaranga was the leading wicket-taker at the two most recent editions of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and also topped the wicket charts during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament in Zimbabwe earlier in the year.

Sri Lanka are one of just two teams yet to name their squad for this year's World Cup, with the Asian side and Bangladesh having until September 28 to submit their final group of 15 players to the ICC for the tournament.

ICC

 

[Nikhil_cric]

They can absolutely make a very skilled lineup.

They need these bowlers

Madushanka
Chameera
Pathirana
Two out of of Kumara/Madushan/Rajitha/Binura
Two out of Wellalage/Hasaranga/Theeksana

They'll be batting until 7 , so they need to pick 8 batters with DDS offering a spin option as well. So no need for extra spinner. They need their best seamers. 3rd spinner is unnecessary when you have DDS

But it's their out-cricket and absolute minnow mentality that will cost them.

 

[ArabKnight]

Absolutely not. Sri Lanka is a nothing team and they have as much of a chance of going all the way as Afghanistan, Bangladesh and West Indies.

Nothing has changed after the Asia Cup final capitulation.

They have more chances of winning it all than Pakistan.

 

[Usman Chadda]

They can absolutely make a very skilled lineup.

They need these bowlers

Madushanka
Chameera
Pathirana
Two out of of Kumara/Madushan/Rajitha/Binura
Two out of Wellalage/Hasaranga/Theeksana

They'll be batting until 7 , so they need to pick 8 batters with DDS offering a spin option as well. So no need for extra spinner. They need their best seamers. 3rd spinner is unnecessary when you have DDS

But it's their out-cricket and absolute minnow mentality that will cost them.

Madhushanka, Chameera, Kumara and Hasaranga are all out of the World Cup.

Hasaranga most definitely, while the other three are holding up their squad announcement.

That’s their entire bowling line-up wiped out pretty much.

 

[happydavy]

I don't think Lanka has an issue in terms of talent, solid bowlers, good batsmen, so manpower isn't an issue for them. Problem is the team lacks confidence and leadership. I like Dasun Shanaka, good talented chap but my question is if as a captain you are going to bowl 2 or 3 overs in an inning, then you better bat up. You can't come in to bat at no:7 when 9 out of 10 times game is already lost by the time he arrives at crease. He needs to man up and take command of the team, which would mean he going up when the team needs him. Lanka batting is an issue as the wickets keep falling all the time, they need someone up there to play 30 overs regularly and being a captain, he has to shoulder that responsibility.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Madhushanka, Chameera, Kumara and Hasaranga are all out of the World Cup.

Hasaranga most definitely, while the other three are holding up their squad announcement.

That’s their entire bowling line-up wiped out pretty much.

Andrew Fidel Fernando just reported yesterday that Madhushanka and Kumara are back to full fitness. Only Hasaranga and Chameera are doubtful at this point.

If both are out, it actually makes their selection easier. They'll have to pick both Wellalage and Theeksana.

And they'll have to pick 3 out of Kumara/Rajitha/Binura/Madushan

It's only about whether they want Rajitha's experience over Madushan's pace/Binura's height and left arm angle/Kumara's high pace option.

They have plenty of variety in their bowling options.

 

[FearlessRoar]

‘We Are Consulting Foreign Doctors’ Says Sri Lanka Medical Panel Head Arjuna De Silva on Wanindu Hasaranga Injury Ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Indeed, they can! They are like those surprise horses that emerge unexpectedly and catch everyone's attention in a race.

So in my view, they are the potential contenders for a spot in the semis.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana has not recovered from a hamstring tear and will miss their World Cup opener against South Africa on Saturday, coach Chris Silverwood said on the eve of the contest in New Delhi.

Source: Reuters Sports

 

[FearlessRoar]

The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has approved Chamika Karunaratne as a replacement for Dasun Shanaka in the Sri Lankan squad.

Karunaratne who has played 23 ODIs, was named as a replacement after Shanaka was ruled out due to a right thigh muscle injury sustained during Sri Lanka’s match against Pakistan on 10 October. The injury needs three weeks to recover.

The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the replacement player can be officially added to the squad.

 

[jnaveen1980]

They have lost Shanaka. Replaced by Chamika karunaratne