WC 2023 Fantasy Guidebook- Players to Pick from Sri Lanka

image-ln4d1pj7Sri Lanka will be the dark horses in World Cup 2023 (Source: Twitter)

There have been a lot of teams that have impressed us and also disappointed us going into the World Cup. However there is one team that has given us a lot of mixed results. They are currently 8th in the ICC rankings and have had a great winning streak in ODI’s. Their performance in the ICC World Cup qualifiers were impressive and it is also where we saw some potential in the side.

We have seen some promising and talented batters in Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Samarawickrama and Karunaratne along with attacking all rounders in Shanaka, Asalanka and Dhananjaya De silva. They also boast of a great bowling attack with quality spinners in Theekshana and Wellalage along with some promising pacers like Rajitha, Kumara and Pathirana. Despite the amount of potential in this squad, they haven’t really performed as consistently as they should have.


Lankan Lions: The Squad Set to Shine in the 2023 World Cup

image-ln3drca2Finest Sri Lankan Players in Asia in ODIs

This might not be the same Sri Lanka we know from the early 2000’s, but there are a few players that have been exceptional. These three players have been one of the most consistent performers recently.

Kusal Mendis is the first player that comes to mind when we talk about consistency. He has been giving great performances at the number 3 position. His ability to form partnerships and steady the innings has been effective for the Lankan Lions. He was also the best batter for Sri lanka in the Asia Cup. He has been the highest run scorer for Sri Lanka in ODI’s this year with 408 runs at an average of 37.09. His form will be important for Sri Lanka going into the World Cup.

The next player that has impressed us with his gifted strokeplay is Pathum Nissanka. This 25 yr old stylish batter has been a blessing in disguise for Sri lanka due to his knack of playing big innings when required. He has also had a great season with the bat with 336 runs from 10 innings at an average of 33.60. He was also the highest run getter in the World Qualifiers with his runs at the top.

Kasun Rajitha is the next player who has shown consistent performances especially with the new ball. He might not be as quick as Kumara or Chameera, but his ability to consistently hit good lengths has been great. He has been the perfect replacement for an injured Chameera as he has been the highest wicket taker for Sri Lanka in ODI’s this year with 12 wickets from 9 innings.


Conclusion

Looking at this Sri Lankan team there is no doubt that they have a lot of potential, but there is still a lot of work left to once again be the same dominant force they were earlier. The three players have been impressive, but they still need that one big innings that can put them in the same league as the best players in the world right now. 

For Sri lanka to have a great campaign in this World Cup these players will have to give match winning performances. Overall this is a Sri Lankan team that might have great talent in their set up who have still not completely stamped their authority among the best teams in the world. Regardless of that they can still be one of the dark horses going into the tournament.