Sri Lanka Playing XI

A slew of injuries and unavailability of key players has left Sri Lanka to manage the ongoing with limited resources available. They carry the baggage of having to go through the World Cup qualifiers for getting through the marquee event taking place this October. Having seen their history, it’s a tad unusual for former world champions to have been doing the dirty part of the work.

However, with a thumping win over Bangladesh in their very first match of the Asia Cup 2023, Sri Lanka with limited resources and options have burst out onto the scene. With all the speculations around them, they have managed to become the team which has won 11 consecutive ODI for any Lankan assignees before.

The pitch was tricky in their first assignment against Bangladesh. Lankan bowlers managed to steer through the formidable Bangladesh batting line-up, thanks to their disciplined bowling with Pathirana taking charge. Although, they struggled a bit while chasing the target of 165 having lost 5 wickets in the course. The top order failed to deliver as the middle order came to the rescue.

So here’s what we think the playing 11 would be for the clash against Afghanistan.

Top Order:

Nissanka is promising and has to prove his mettle as there’s no other potential opener to fill in for him. Karunarathne and Mendis come with their experience and have to step up accordingly.

Middle Order, All-rounders, Wicket Keeper:

Samarawickrama and Asalanka steadied the boat for Sri Lanka in the previous encounter. The top order collapse resulted in them moving cautiously and holding the other end tight. Both the batters did a commendable job for the team and Sri Lanka would be backing them completely for their all-round performance. However, Shanaka and De silva should make use of their prowess to provide some meaning to the batting depth.

 Bowlers:

Pathirana has stepped up at the right time for Sri Lanka, winning Man of the Match in his first ever Asia Cup. Sri Lanka would be happy to keep their bowling unit untouched as of now in the form of Wellalage and Theekshana combination. Rajitha adds to the fury Pathirana carries. However, they’ve  more bowling options in their kitty than the batters.

PREDICTED PLAYING XI:

Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunarathne, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (C/WK), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha and Matheesha Pathirana