To say that Sri Lanka enter the 2019 World Cup in total and utter disarray would be an understatement. When Chandika Hathurusingha took over as coach in December 2017, there was hope that the tough taskmaster could revitalize Sri Lanka’s fortunes as he did with Bangladesh. These hopes have been quickly dashed with Sri Lanka possessing an abysmal ODI record having since the 2017 Champions Trophy lost 33 of 44 ODIs and been whitewashed 5-0 by South Africa in their last series.

By Mansoor Khan (23rd May, 2019)

No fewer than six “permanent” captains have been appointed since the 2015 World Cup with the latest man in the hotseat, Dimuth Karunaratne, having not a played a single ODI in that period and possessing a meagre average of 15 in the format at the time of the announcement. Whilst Karunaratne deserves immense credit for leading his side to their first ever Test series triumph in South Africa, there will be pressure to justify his place in the shorter format. 

Off-the-field, Sri Lanka have been ridden by infighting, ceaseless political interference and damaging rows over selection between the coach and selectors. Hathurusingha was denounced as a “total dictator” and was sent home before the T20 leg of the recent South Africa tour with his selection powers removed. Hathurusingha, therefore, appears on borrowed time and unlikely to have his contract renewed by SLC post World Cup.

The World Cup squad reflects this turmoil with several experienced players chopped. Wicket-keeper batsman Niroshan Dickwella has paid the price for a poor South Africa series despite being Sri Lanka’s leading run scorer since the Champions Trophy! The experienced Upul Tharanga faced the axe after a downturn of form over the last 12 months, but the selectors bafflingly dropped fellow opener Danushka Gunathilaka despite the latter averaging close to 50 in New Zealand. Former captain Dinesh Chandimal has also been overlooked.

The desperation of the selectors is underlined by recalls for Lahiru Thirimanne, who’s not played an ODI since 2017, and all-rounder Jeevan Mendis, who’s not played an ODI since 2015. Both performed well in the recent Super Four domestic 50-Over competition but are also tried and tested names in international cricket, reiterating the inadequacy of Sri Lanka’s system in producing new talent.

Sri Lanka’s spin stocks, traditionally their match-winning strength, has taken a huge blow with off-spinner and leading wicket-taker since the Champions Trophy, Akila Dananjaya, dropped having struggled with a remodelled action after being reported for an illegal bowling action last winter. That means Jeffrey Vandersay, will be Sri Lanka’s lead spinner. In the seam department, veteran Lasith Malinga fresh off from his success with Mumbai Indians in the IPL, will lead the attack along with experienced Suranga Lakmal.

Strengths:

Sri Lanka produced a memorable underdog performance in the South Africa Tests when nobody gave them a sniff. They must channel that spirit in England. Angelo Mathews was the top scorer in the domestic Super Four tournament and much depends on him if Sri Lanka are to reach competitive totals. 

Weaknesses: 

This is the weakest team Sri Lanka have taken to a World Cup since the 1980s with the side currently languishing 9th in the ICC’s ODI Team rankings. The batting looks flimsy, collectively averaging just 27 since the 2017 Champions Trophy – the worst of any World Cup team. Without Dananjaya it’s also difficult to see how Sri Lanka take wickets in the middle overs.

Players to watch:

21-year-old opener Avishka Fernando strikes at close to a run a ball in List A cricket and was the star of Sri Lanka’s 2016 Under-19 World Cup. Captain Dimuth Karunaratne enters the World Cup with a point to prove in 50 over cricket and in good form averaging over 50 in the Super Four tournament.

Prediction:

Unfortunately, given the current state of this side, I predict a 9th position and a group stage exit.


Full squad:

Dimuth Karunaratne (c)
Avishka Fernando
Lahiru Thirimanne
Kusal Perera
Kusal Mendis
Angelo Mathews
Dhananjaya de Silva
Jeffery Vandersay
Thisara Perera
Isuru Udana
Lasith Malinga
Suranga Lakmal
Nuwan Pradeep
Jeevan Mendis
Milinda Siriwardana

Discuss!