ODI World Cup 2023: 3 changes Sri Lanka should make to get back to winning ways

Sri-Lanka. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Sri Lanka started their ICC ODI World Cup 2023 tournament with a heavy loss against South Africa on Saturday, October 7, 2023. The match was played in Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium and saw South Africa break some records in World Cup cricket. The Proteas won by 102 runs in the end.

South Africa was asked to bat first by Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka, a decision he regretted. South Africa posted the highest World Cup total of 428/5. Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram hit centuries for Proteas. Markram hit the fastest century in World Cup history in 49 balls.

In reply, Kusal Mendis hammered 76 in 42 balls, while Charith Asalanka made 79 and captain Shanaka made 68 runs. But the target was too much for the Lankans, and they managed 326 runs and lost the match by 102 runs. This was a huge defeat for Dasun Shanaka and Co. and left them pondering some changes in how they play.

Here are 3 changes Sri Lanka should make to get back to winning ways in ODI World Cup 2023:

1. Openers need to contribute more 

Kusal-Perera-and-Kusal-Mendis. (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/Getty Images)

The openers of Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka (0) and Kusal Perera (7) got out pretty early. In fact, Nissanka got out in the second over, while Perera got out in the eighth over, having scored seven runs in a partnership of 66 runs with Mendis. The lack of a strong start didn’t do Sri Lanka any good in the chase of 429 runs.

Both Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka are aggressive openers. But when the need arises, they need to take a bit of time before unleashing themselves against the opponents. Trying to hit the bowlers early without settling in caused Sri Lanka to capitulate despite the bravados of Mendis and Asalanka. Sri Lanka will benefit a lot if Perera and Nissanka lay them a solid platform to build on.

2. Sri Lanka’s fielding needs improvement

Sri Lankan Cricket Team. (Photo Source: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

Sri Lankan fielding was left wanting as South African batters made merry at the Arun Jaitley Stadium field on Saturday. In terms of breakthrough opportunities, all that came Sri Lanka’s way were half-chances at best, and their fielders failed to grab at those opportunities, much to their captain’s sorrow.

A missed sharp chance at backward point, a hair’s breadth margin on a direct hit, and a mistimed chip falling just short of the fielder were pretty much the extent of it. Had Sri Lanka managed to turn those half-chances into full opportunities, they would have kept South Africa way below what they finished on. 

3. Bowlers need to bowl tight lines and lengths to avoid freebies

Matheesha Pathirana. (Photo Source: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

It was a day for the bowlers to forget, with the game largely decided as a straight shootout between the batters. For Sri Lanka, five of their bowlers went at over eight an over, three at nine or more. Kasun Rajitha (1/90) and Matheesha Pathirana (1/95) were the most expensive bowlers from the Sri Lanka side.

They were clueless about where to bowl, and the sweltering heat of 38 degrees Celsius didn’t help them either. In the absence of Maheesh Theekshana, the Sri Lanka spin department fell apart, with even Dunith Wellalage going for runs. To rectify this, bowlers need to bowl to the field and a proper line or length. They changed their lines and the length of almost every ball against South Africa and, in the process, gave away easy runs.