It’s true that Sri Lanka was neglected by the cricketing world for a few years but is again on the rise. The Sri Lankans won the Asia Cup in 2022 for the sixth time despite the unrest they were experiencing at home, and Sri Lanka won by outscoring Pakistan 23 runs to 1 in the championship match.
Before the Super 12 stages can start, the qualifying rounds will be where Sri Lanka's road for the T20 World Cup 2022 begins.
But what are the chances that the Sri Lanka cricket team will win this T20 tournament in 2022?
Let's find out with a SWOT analysis.
Captain – Dasun Shanaka
Wicket Keeper – Kusal Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa
All-Rounders – Danushka Gunathilwka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Charith Asalanka
Batters – Pathun Nissanka, Bhanuka Rajapaska
Pacers – Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, Pramod Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka,
Spinners - Jeffrey Vandersay, Mahesh Theekshana
Strength – Unique Attacking Batters & Spinners
In the opening match of the 2022 Asia Cup, Sri Lanka's batting collapsed completely against Afghanistan. The eventual winners were forced to leave for a score of less than 110, and Afghanistan quickly overcame that deficit. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis developed a rhythm later in the tournament's opening matches. The Sri Lankan batting is not of worry thanks to explosive batters like Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dhananjaya De Silva, and Charith Asalanka.
Weakness – Top Order Strike Rate, Lack of Wicket Keepers, and Injury Records
Pacers such as Dushmanta Chameera and Lahiru Kumara can easily reach 150 KPH. However, both of the fast bowlers have recently recovered from injuries. Shanaka cannot afford to lose his fast bowling pair for the remainder of the competition due to another injury.
The problem with the strike rate is another flaw with Sri Lanka national cricket team players. Mendis, Nissanka, and Asalanka, the top three batters, all have poor strike rates. Given that the trio has batting strike rates below 130, this is where the opposing bowlers might target them.
Another evident flaw is the absence of a backup wicketkeeper. In addition to being the only wicketkeeper in the team, Kusal Mendis will also play as the opener.
Opportunity – Chances of Past Repetition 1996
The 2022 Asia Cup victory marked the start of Dasun Shanaka's mission to restore Sri Lanka's competitiveness. Shanaka will have a more incredible opportunity and stage at the T20 World Cup in 2022 to demonstrate his young team's talent. Like Arjuna Ranatunga in 1996, Shanaka has a young team driven to win. Sri Lanka will be hoping and wanting Shanaka to tell and urge his lads to continue playing the brave cricket they have been playing up to this point.
Threat – Lack of Experience in Australian Conditions
The fact that several of these Sri Lanka players are competing in Australia for the first time may worry the Sri Lankan team as they prepare for the T20 World Cup 2022. The circumstances in Australia can be harsh, and if a player falls into a slump, it can significantly negatively impact both the player and the team's confidence. This fact will make Sri Lanka and its coach Chris Silverwood cautious.
Stay updated with Sri Lanka upcoming matches with CBTF.