Sri Lanka name strong T20 squad for World Cup
Sri Lanka has named a talented squad for the ICC T20 World Cup, with plenty of all-round ability and experience, for the tournament kicking off on Saturday in India and Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankans, who are priced at 31.00 with cricket betting sites to win the T20 World Cup, open their campaign against Ireland in Colombo on Sunday and face a relatively friendly group with matches against Oman, Australia and Zimbabwe in front of them.
Sri Lanka’s team will be captained by all-rounder Dasun Shanaka and features a plethora of white ball experience, with the likes of Pathum Nissanka, Kusul Mendis, Charith Asalanka and Kusa Perera included.
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But they will be bitterly disappointed with their performance against England, having just concluded a three match T20 series, losing 0-3 to to the visiting team in the worst possible build-up for the World Cup.
Former Sri Lankan captain and star all-rounder Angelo Mathews was clearly disappointed with the national team’s performance, but remains optimistic they can turn it around at the World Cup.
“Didn’t expect a 3-0! Thought @ECB_Cricket played extremely well, read the conditions brilliantly and tactics were spot on! Unfortunately for our boys lots of questions to be answered. Hoping they get their act together asap as World Cup is around the corner! I still have hope for our team,” he wrote on social media platform X.com.
All-round depth remains a key strength for Sri Lanka, with Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis and Dunith Wellalage offering balance with both the bat and ball. The bowling unit includes established pace options such as Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana, alongside mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana.
Sri Lanka is paying 1.11 to defeat Ireland (6.40) in their T20 World Cup opener which will be played on February 8 in Colombo.
Sri Lanka’s full T20 World Cup squad:
Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga
Sri Lanka’s group stage fixtures:
- February 8: v Ireland, Colombo
- February 12: v Oman, Pallekele
- February 16: v Australia, Pallekele
- February 19: v Zimbabwe, Colombo
