It has been 19 years since Sri Lanka won the ICC World Cup in Lahore but preparations for the 2015 edition seem far from perfect as we analyse their chances in the 2015 World Cup.

By PakPassion Staff (19th January, 2015)

Sri Lanka is fast-approaching a World Cup that will ferociously mark the end of an era where their two batting stalwarts in Kumar Sangakarra and Mahela Jaywardene will hold the bat for the last time in an ODI arena.

Both of them will want to end their careers by checking off one thing on their CV's that they've come so close to getting but never attaining; a 50 over World Cup.

The team had a magnificent 2014 with an impressive victory in the Asia Cup, a series win against England both home and away. They will want to continue their momentum from delivering a 5-2 drubbing to England by making use of the 7-ODI series they'll have in NZ before taking guard for the World Cup.

World Cup Record 

1975 - (England) Round 1

1979 - (England) Round 1

1983 - (England) Round 1

1987 - (India/Pakistan) Round 1

1992 - (Australia/New Zealand) Round 1

1996 - (India/Pakistan/Sri Lanka) Winners

1999 - (England) Round 1

2003 - (South Africa/Zimbabwe) Semi-finals

2007 - (West Indies) Runner Ups

2011 - (India/Sri Lanka/Bangladesh) Runner Ups

Squad

Angelo Mathews (c), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Dimuth Karunaratne, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Kulasekara, Dhammika Prasad, Rangana Herath, Sachitra Senanayake, Thisara Perera, Jeevan Mendis, Lasith Malinga (subject to fitness)

Top 3 players to watch 

Lasith Malinga

Bowling average : 27.21 Economy : 5.21

The man with one hat trick and one double hat trick in World Cup cricket will be looking to make his mark on oppositions once he comes back from injury and do what he does best; menace the opposition at the death.

Sachithra Senanayake

Bowling average : 32.42 Economy: 4.58

Senanayake has been a revelation for Sri Lanka. Having garnered controversy for an illegal action and having returned to international cricket with a new remodelled one, he will look reimburse himself in the World Cup as a premier ODI spinner with a bagful of tricks including a carrom ball, floater and doosra.

Tillakaratne Dilshan

Batting average: 38.6 Strike rate : 85.69

Bowling average : 44.1 Economy: 4.78

Lacking a consistent partner at the other end, he has taken the onus to bat through the innings and come up with carefully woven centuries. Lightning quick in the field, Dilshan is one of Sri Lanka's best fielders and a handy off-spinner to boot. The blazing opening batsman is coming off a period of great form in ODI cricket and will want to end his last World Cup with the trophy.

Prediction

Sri Lanka have reached the finals of a major ICC world tournament 5 times in the last 8 years. They broke a pattern last year by finally winning a World Cup in the T20 format. Angelo Mathews has a well balanced side of youth and experience, not to mention himself being rich in form; his side will be a tough one to beat no doubt.

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