Decoding Sri Lanka's Tactic To Bench Theekshana For Extra Pacer In Asia Cup Tie vs BAN

Maheesh Theekshana for Sri Lanka - (Source : AFP)

On Saturday, September 13, Sri Lanka locked horns against Bangladesh in their first match of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Charith Asalanka won the coin flip, and the Island Nation asked Bangladesh to bat first. 

Sri Lanka Opt For 3 Seamers vs Bangladesh

Sri Lanka made a few interesting selection calls as they left out the likes of Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana to accommodate an extra seamer in the line-up. The Island Nation are a spin-dominant team as the spinner have been their strength for the longest time. 

However, the decision to go ahead with three seamers (Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara) and only a solitary frontline spinner - Wanindu Hasaranga has got the internet talking. 

Meanwhile, this article will look at what could have prompted the Asalanka-led side to make Theekshana sit on the bench. Here are a few reasons.

Fresh Pitch A Key Reason

One of the reasons behind Sri Lanka opting for an extra seamer could be the fresh pitch at the Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium. The captains, during the toss, remarked that it is a fresh surface and it would help the seamers get early movement.

Thus, the possibility of seamers being more effective than spinners is the reason behind all three-star pacers playing together for the Island Nation. 

"A fresh pitch is being used for this game. The stats suggest chasing the way to go here. A tinge of grass is covering this surface. If you bowl back-of-a-length deliveries, the bowlers might get some help," remarked pundits during pitch inspection.

Looking at the recent match at this venue in the ongoing tournament, the seamers have been more effective than the spinners, which has helped Sri Lanka because they are the last team to start their campaign in the tournament. 

Stats For Wicket Distribution Among Seamers And Spinners At Abu Dhabi Stadium In Asia Cup 2025.

Theekshana's Form

Talking about Theekshana, he is struggling to pick wickets, which could also be the reason why he has been benched in the Asia Cup opener for Sri Lanka.

Theekshana's last appearance was against Zimbabwe, where the right-arm spinner could only pick two wickets in two matches. Prior to that, he went wicketless in the ODI series. 

Even during the Sri Lanka T20 league 2025, the 25-year-old took just two wickets in four innings. His performance against Bangladesh was also not good as he scalped just three wickets in three games. 

Theekshana's last great series for the Island Nation was in January 2025 against Australia, where he took four wickets in two innings.

Conclusion

It is fair to say that it was a masterstroke from the Sri Lanka captain as Theekshana's form is a major concern and the Abu Dhabi pitch is visibly favouring the seamers. Talking about the ongoing match, the decision has been proven correct as Sri Lanka have taken three early wickets.

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