The Sri Lankan Cricket team has been a dominant side in the T20 format, having top-quality players in batting and. Bowling departments. Sri Lanka will feature in this year's T20 World Cup with the hope of winning the tournament. Their recent performances aren't satisfactory but that doesn't mean, they won't be a threat to the teams in this mega event.
This blog will go through the details of the Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup Squad 2024, previous performances in the T20 World Cups, key players to watch out for, their game plan and playing tactics, the Sri Lanka T20 Cricket World Cup 2024 Schedule, and predictions for this year's World Cup.
Sri Lankan Team Performance in Previous T20 World Cup Editions:
When it comes to T20 Cricket, you will be really surprised to know that the Sri Lankan team has always performed way above their expectations and has been a dangerous side. The likes of Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahila Jayawardene, Lasith Malinga, Ajantha Mendis & Nuwan Kulasekra have been pillars of this team over the years and have played a significant role in making Sri Lanka a champion side in 2014.
However, in the last two editions of T20 World Cups, the Sri Lankan team's performance has been below par and they really struggle to find a rhythm.
Achievements of the Sri Lankan Team in T20 World Cups:
| Trophy | Status | Captain |
|---|---|---|
| ICC T20 World Cup 2009 | Runners Up | Kumar Sangakkara |
| ICC T20 World Cup 2010 | Semi Finalists | Kumar Sangakkara |
| ICC T20 World Cup 2012 | Runners Up | Kumar Sangakkara |
| ICC T20 World Cup 2014 | Champions | Lasith Malinga |
Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup Squad 2024
Here are the Sri Lanka T20 Team players list for the Mega event that has kickstarted from June 1, 2024, in the Caribbean and the United States of America. The team comprises quality batsmen with a lot of spin All-rounders options and quality fast bowling attack.
| Player | Age | Role | Batting Type | Bowling Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kusal Mendis | 29 | Batter/WK | Right hand Bat | Legbreak |
| Pathum Nissanka | 25 | Batter | Right hand Bat | |
| Sadeera Samarawickrama | 28 | Batter/WK | Right hand Bat | |
| Wanindu Hasaranga (C) | 26 | All Rounder | Right hand Bat | Legbreak |
| Charith Asalanka (VC) | 26 | All Rounder | Left hand Bat | Right arm off break |
| Dhananjaya de Silva | 32 | All Rounder | Right hand Bat | Right arm off break |
| Angelo Mathews | 36 | All Rounder | Right hand Bat | Right arm Medium |
| Kamindu Mendis | 25 | All Rounder | Left hand Bat | Right arm off break |
| Dasun Shanaka | 32 | All Rounder | Right hand Bat | Right arm Medium |
| Dushmantha Chameera | 32 | Bowler | Right hand Bat | Right arm Fast |
| Dilshan Madushanka | 23 | Bowler | Right hand Bat | Left arm Fast medium |
| Matheesha Pathirana | 21 | Bowler | Right hand Bat | Right arm Fast |
| Mahesh Theekshana | 23 | Bowler | Right hand Bat | Right arm off break |
| Nuwan Thushara | 29 | Bowler | Right hand Bat | Right arm Medium fast |
| Dunith Wellalage | 21 | Bowler | Left hand Bat | Slow Left arm Orthodox |
Traveling Reserves: Asitha Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage.
Main Players from Sri Lanka T20 Team Players List:
The Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup Squad 2024 is strong in batting, with players like Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Dasun Shanaka known for their power-hitting. Kusal Mendis was the top scorer for Sri Lanka in the 2022 T20 World Cup, and Pathum Nissanka also made significant contributions.
The Sri Lankan bowling line-up is also impressive, featuring pacers Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thusara, and Chameera, along with spinners Hasranga and Wellage. Wanindu Hasaranga was the leading wicket-taker in the 2022 T20 World Cup, and Pathirana had a successful IPL season.
Gameplay and cricketing Ideology of Sri Lankan Team:
The Sri Lanka T20 cricket team suffered a serious downfall after the retirements of their star players like Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Nuwan Kulasekra, and Rangana Herath. They were down and out in all departments and young players were inducted into the team. Sri Lankan team management instilled an aggressive approach and attacking mindset in the young players.
Over the years, these players evolved and now the Sri Lankan team looks quite balanced with solid openers who play with an offensive approach. The bowling unit of the team is very lethal, comprising world-class spinners.
Sri Lankan Team Preparation, Strength & Weakness Analysis
The Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup Squad 2024 has weaknesses. The middle-order batting lacks consistent power-hitters, which can prevent them from scoring big totals. Additionally, besides Hasranga, they lack another quality spinner to support the captain.
Sri Lanka has the opportunity to win their second ICC T20 World Cup title. With Angelo Mathews likely playing his last T20 World Cup, it’s a chance for a memorable career finish. The team aims to make a strong impact, especially in their opening match against South Africa.
The main threats include tough competition from teams like South Africa, Netherlands, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Injuries to key players from the Sri Lanka T20 Team Players List and adapting to different venue conditions could also pose challenges.
Sri Lanka T20 Cricket World Cup 2024 Schedule
The complete schedule of ICC T20 World Cup 2024 was announced earlier and the Sri Lanka cricket team has been placed in Group D. They will kick start their World Cup campaign against South Africa in New York.
| Date | Match Number | Group | Venue | Teams | Local Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, 03 June 2024 | 4th Match | Group D | Nassau Academy, New York | Sri Lanka vs. South Africa | 10:30 AM |
| Sat, 08 June 2024 | 15th Match | Group D | Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas | Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka | 7:30 PM |
| Wed, 12 June 2024 | 23rd Match | Group D | Central Broward Park, Lauderhill | Nepal vs. Sri Lanka | 7:30 PM |
| Mon, 17 June 2024 | 38th Match | Group D | Daren Sammy Stadium, Gros Islet | Netherlands vs. Sri Lanka | 8:30 PM |
World Cup Winning Prediction about Sri Lanka:
The current Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup Squad 2024 consists of good players and a nice combination of batting and bowling options. However, they lack that world-class quality in their squad, and it will be a huge task for them to reach the Super 8 stage. Therefore, as per our prediction, the Sri Lankan team might get knocked out in the group stage of this competition.
T20 World Cup Betting
