Theekshana the Dullest, Samarawickrama the Best- A Look at Sri Lanka's Report Card for World Cup 2023
Sadeera Samarawickrama has been the best performer for Sri Lanka in the World Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)
Sri Lanka's 2023 World Cup campaign has been marked by inconsistency and unfulfilled expectations. With just two wins in nine matches and seven losses, the team struggled to find a rhythm and failed to perform up to the anticipated standards. Despite having talented players, Sri Lanka faced challenges in various departments, including batting collapses and bowling inconsistencies. The lack of a settled opening pair and the inability to build partnerships cost them badly.
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Analysing Sri Lankan Player Rating in the World Cup
Top Order Players
Pathum Nissanka - 6/10
Pathum Nissanka emerged as Sri Lanka's most consistent performer in the 2023 World Cup, amassing 332 runs in 9 matches at an average of 41.50 and a strike rate of 89.49, earning him a player rating of 6/10.
Kusal Mendis - 5/10
Kusal Mendis showcased initial brilliance but struggled after assuming the captaincy, scoring 294 runs at an average of 32.67 and a strike rate of 113.95, receiving a rating of 5/10.
Kusal Perera - Kusal Perera had a disappointing campaign, managing only 149 runs in 7 matches at an average of 21.29 and a strike rate of 101.36, earning a rating of 3/10.
Middle Order Players
Sadeera Samarawickrama - 8/10
Sadeera Samarawickrama emerged as Sri Lanka's standout performer in the 2023 World Cup, making significant contributions with 373 runs in 9 matches at an impressive average of 53.29 and a strike rate of 102.19, earning him a player rating of 8/10.
Charith Asalanka - 6/10
Charith Asalanka had a below-par tournament, managing 288 runs in 8 matches with an average of 36 and a strike rate of 85.21, resulting in a player rating of 6/10.
Dhananjaya de Silva - 3/10
Dhananjaya de Silva struggled with the bat, scoring only 140 runs in 7 matches at an average of 20 and a strike rate of 76.09, receiving a player rating of 3/10.
Angelo Mathews - 5/10
Angelo Mathews, featuring in just 5 matches, scored 51 runs with an average of 17 and a strike rate of 65.38, and with the ball, he took 6 wickets, earning a player rating of 5/10.
Bowlers
Dilshan Madushanka - 9/10
Dilshan Madushanka delivered an impressive performance in the 2023 World Cup, taking 21 wickets in 9 matches with an average of 25 and an economy rate of 6.7, earning him a player rating of 9/10.
Kasun Rajitha - 4/10
Kasun Rajitha had an inconsistent showing, securing 8 wickets in 6 matches with an average of 42 and an economy rate of 6.86, resulting in a player rating of 4/10.
Maheesh Theekshana - 3/10
Maheesh Theekshana struggled with the ball in Indian conditions, managing only 6 wickets in 8 matches with a high average of 63.67 and an economy of 5.36, receiving a player rating of 3/10.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sri Lanka's 2023 World Cup campaign ended on a disappointing note, marked by inconsistencies and underwhelming performances. The team secured only two victories in nine matches, with notable struggles from players like Dhananjaya de Silva and Maheesh Theekshana.
The recent ICC ban on the Sri Lankan cricket team further compounds their challenges. Looking ahead, Sri Lanka aims to stay positive and regroup for the next year's T20 World Cup. Historically strong in T20 tournaments, Sri Lanka must address issues, including team balance and player form, to build a competitive squad and improve their international cricket standing.
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