Sri Lanka has named a powerful squad to compete in the upcoming men’s World T20 in the United States and Caribbean. The team is composed of young stars, talented players, and with a bit of experience. Whilst it is not the strongest lineup in the tournament, this squad packs a punch as the selectors have gone all-in picking a squad with top players from all forms of the game: T20, ODI, and Test cricket. Whilst Sri Lanka is not the pundit’s favorite to win the cup, this team can pose problems to any opposition on a given day.
Sri Lanka – A Team that Can Challenge Anybody on a Given Day
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It is no secret that Sri Lankan cricket is not the strongest contender at this year’s tournament. There are stronger teams in terms of talent, team balance, and hitting power. Most notably India who are going in as one of the favourites and Australia, the reigning champions, who are always a threat in ICC tournaments. However, the Sri Lankan team brings with them that traditional flare that is associated with them, and with some interesting bowling options, they could prove to be a handful for any team. The question is will they?
The main trouble for Sri Lanka has been their past performances in ICC tournaments which have not been stellar. Having failed to make it to the knockout stages in the 2022 and 2021 editions of the T20 World Cup combined with abysmal showing in the 2019 and 2023 ODI World Cups no one is taking the chances of the 2014 T20 World Cup champions that seriously. However, in cricket like in any sport, anything can happen.
What Sri Lanka Can Expect from T20 World Cup 2024?
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Going into the upcoming T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka has put forward a solid team. Led by the skill and leadership of Wanindu Hasaranga, who is one of the best spin bowlers in world cricket aided by Charith Asalanka as the vice-captain, this team has talent, experience, and that element of unpredictability that can surprise any team on a given day. And that is what the selectors will be banking on a Sri Lanka team that shows up on the day, knocks over the top players of the opposition, and allows its spinners to constrict the middle order and chase down the target.
No doubt there is a bit of hope going into all of this. Considering, as noted the poor showing of the team in ICC tournaments, is a matter that is further complicated by politics at home. And admittedly there is more hope than expectation going into the T20 World Cup. Part of the problem for Sri Lanka is that opposition teams have gotten ever stronger.
Historical complaints that bemoaned the decline of Sri Lanka owing to the retirement of top players like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene no longer hold. The question is can the newer crop of players perform on the day?
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Sri Lanka – Dark Horses of World T20 2024?
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It is wrong to write off a team in world cricket. Especially a team that has won one. And Sri Lanka have packed their team with star players. The inclusion of the Test Captain Dhananjaya De Silva is a noteworthy addition. Alongside him, another emerging performer Kamindu Mendis is another interesting inclusion. The return of star bowler Dilshan Madushanka is another hopeful addition that will strengthen the bowling lineup for sure.
So it is clear that the selectors of the Sri Lanka team are going for form, experience and talent. The core components of a potentially matching winning team. The question is, can the Sri Lankan team deliver on the day?
About the Author
Damian Thar writes on a range of topics. In addition to his professional work, he writes essays on subjects like philosophy, history, and culture. He also writes and edits books; in his free time, he makes YouTube videos on social commentary. You can find his work here.
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