T20 World Cup 2021: Sri Lanka’s probable playing XI

Sri Lanka failed to qualify for the main round of the T20 World Cup 2021 and now have a task to play Ireland, Namibia and the Netherlands. All three opponents are tough and on paper and are capable of beating Sri Lanka. They will face Namibia first in Abu Dhabi on October 18. They have already announced a power-packed squad, but there is no doubt looking at the 15, there is a lot they need to figure out before the tournament.

Here is Sri Lanka’s probable playing XI of the T20 World Cup 2021:

Openers (Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando)

Kusal Perera opening the innings is quite a crucial part of the plan for Sri Lanka. He is an experienced and destructive batter. However, there is a bit of an injury scare looming over his head, which he sustained during the recent T20I series. If he recovers in time, he should start in the XI. Dinesh Chandimal is there in the 15 though, in case Perera misses out. Another opener will be Avishka Fernando, who has been batting decently well in recent times.

Middle order (Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka and Kamindu Mendis)

Bhanuka Rajapaksa might have been a surprise selection to some, but he will be batting at no. 3 nevertheless. Skipper Dasun Shanaka and whoever is to follow him can bat at any position. Kamindu Mendis has rightly found his spot after impressing selectors during the recent domestic season. Even though Shanaka and Mendis are not likely to bowl a lot, on a good day, they can split four to six overs between them. It should also be noted that Mendis’ ability to bowl with both arms, gives his bowling a lot of variation.

All-rounders (Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne and Lahiru Madushanka)

There has been some debate about the style of play which de Silva has and how it is not suited to T20 cricket. But, it should be noted that Sri Lanka team management sees him as a good option in the middle overs to weather the storm if there is any. Wanindu Hasaranga will have a lot to do with the bat and the ball. Chamika Karunaratne’s ability has been seen with the bat and the ball. Lahiru Madushanka is new to this team but surely has an element of surprise around him.

Bowlers (Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana)

Dushmantha Chameera is a must in this team, given the fact that the whole department of death bowling will be looked over by him. His growth in white-ball has been steady but he is far from being the finished article yet. Maheesh Theekshana has been added considering the mystery around his action and his variations. He should start in the XI.