Sri Lanka's Probable Squad For 2023 World Cup

image-ll561t42SL team at the 2023 Qualifiers (Twitter)

Sri Lankan team, high on confidence and euphoria, effortlessly captured the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers a little over a month ago in Zimbabwe. The country’s cricket board is now putting up a legion of its players on trial ahead of the main World Cup event, set to be played in India later this year.


Can the Lankan Lions relive 1996's charm?

Pace talent Matheesha Pathirana, who shot himself to fame for CSK earlier in the year, successfully graduated himself from the annals of franchise leagues to Sri Lanka’s ODI national side. Similarly, players from different regions of the island nation are plying their trades in the ongoing Lankan Premier League (LPL) in a bid to get into national reckoning for the quadrennial event in India.

While the best of Sri Lankan players, including recently-snubbed Angelo Mathews, continue to fine-tune in LPL, we look at their probable squad for the much-awaited 2023 World Cup.


Batters: Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka

Off late, the Sri Lankan team management has persisted with the right-handed opening combination of Pathum Nissanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama. The two will likely travel to India for the World Cup, alongside backup opener Dimuth Karunaratne. However, one can expect either of the original duo to sacrifice their place in the playing XI at some point, considering Karunaratne’s southpaw diligence will provide an ideal right-left opening combination at the top.

Kusal Mendis, who also provides a wicketkeeping option, has solidified himself at number three. Meanwhile, Charith Asalanka and Angelo Mathews are the most suitable middle-order candidates for Sri Lanka at the moment, even though the latter of the two was recently snubbed from team’s Qualifier squad. Asalanka even provides an additional bowling option with his part-time spin in the middle overs.


All-Rounders: Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga

Dhananjaya de Silva is the backbone of the Sri Lankan batting lineup. He has been stupendous form and will look to continue the momentum in the World Cup. If Sri Lanka are to reach the semis, captain Shanaka has to fire with both bat and ball. He'll be another vital cog in this lineup.

Wanindu Hasaranga, on the other hand, has emerged as a genuine all-rounder in recent times despite starting out in the team as an ace spinner. The cricketer can whack a ball, and form handy partnerships in case of a top-order collapse.


Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Chamika Karunaratne, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara

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Sri Lanka’s bowling department is never short on spinners, and one can expect them to unleash their spin attack to the fullest on turning Indian surfaces. CSK phenomenon Maheesh Theekshana is expected to take flight to India, considering his recent IPL exploits there, alongside Dushan Hemantha, a spin wizard who can ably bat at eight. The two will be assisted by a number of part-timers in the side, like Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva.

Meanwhile, team’s pace cartel will probably be composed of Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Chamika Karunaratne, Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru Kumara.


Sri Lanka's Predicted Playing XI for World Cup 2023

Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha.


Our Verdict

Sri Lanka have lost their charm in the last couple of years, and the team still has a fragile batting unit which will be exposed against quality bowling attack. The team can cause havoc if turning tracks are provided. However, expect a group stage exit once again for the former World Champions.