Can Sri Lanka reproduce the Asia Cup magic in India?
After a prolonged rebuilding process, you had some assurance that the national cricket team had turned a huge corner when they stunned every team in the Asia Cup. Not only did Dasun Shanaka’s side beat the world’s number one and two ranked sides – India and Pakistan – in UAE last September, but the performances of several young players stood out. However, after the Asia Cup win, it was all back to square one in the World Cup in Australia where a series of injuries and poor form saw the former champions bowing out without making an impact. Least said about off the field happenings the better it is.
The team has arrived in India for six white ball games and fans back home will be hoping that the boys will come up with a performance similar to the one during the Asia Cup. In sports, there’s no better feeling than beating the big brother. An inspired performance can not only cheer up the fans but give assurance that Sri Lanka is making steady progress.
The good thing is that Sri Lanka have a full-strength side to choose from with several fast bowlers who were injured in Australia returning to the side. There’ll be lot of attention on fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka, who became the cynosure of all eyes after sending Virat Kohli’s stumps flying during the Asia Cup.
A left-arm quick is a blessing for any side and even more when he is able to generate decent pace. The specialty about Hambantota born Madushanka is that he’s got a good head on his shoulders, and he has been tipped as the next big thing in Sri Lankan cricket. Fellow southerner Kasun Rajitha from Mirijawilla has also improved leaps and bounds in recent months with injuries slowing down his progress since his debut in 2016.
Wicketkeeper batsman Sadeera Samarawickrama is back in the side after an impressive LPL and his work ethic is sure to impress Head Coach Chris Silverwood and the selectors.
The 27-year-old was first given a break in 2017 when Graeme Labrooy was Chairman of Selectors as his attitude caught the attention of the selectors. But since then, he has got little opportunities to cement his place. Had he got half the chances some of the other players received, he could have done something special for the team.
Sri Lanka’s middle order was a concern during the World Cup but now that Charith Asalanka has shown some consistency that should settle the batting somewhat. Half their problems will be solved if one of the experienced batters Bhanuka Rajapaksa or Dasun Shanaka fire.No alarms with the top order though as Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka have been solid this year giving the team some electric starts. Just that the middle order hasn’t been able to cash in and that in turn has affected results.
Avishka Fernando is on the comeback trail having missed most of this year’s cricket due to knee surgery. How the selectors fix the batting order remains to be seen.
Sri Lanka will start their campaign in Bombay on the 3rd January and will travel around western India for the T-20 leg with Pune and Rajkot hosting the games. The first two ODIs will be played in the east with Guwahati and Calcutta hosting the games. The final game is in Kerala.
