The much awaited T20I series between Sri Lanka and West India Rangiri will kick off at the Dambulla International Stadium on October 13. This three-game series will see both teams looking to improve their squads and strategies as they prepare for the upcoming international matches.
Experienced staff with balanced staff
Sri Lanka enter the series with a balanced team of both experienced and new players. The squad boasts of strong middle-order batsmen Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksaand Kusal Pererawho have the ability to anchor shots and accelerate when needed. In addition, the bowling department headed by him Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Theekshanawhile their pace bowlers add depth with their spin variations Matheesha Pathirana brings speed and agility.
After losing to India, he wants to escape
The Islanders will try to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 loss India in the recent T20I series. They will aim to regroup and put up a stronger performance against the West Indies. With the home advantage, Sri Lanka will want to gain an advantage and gain momentum. Captain Asalanka will play a decisive role in leading the team from the front.
Also READ: Sanath Jayasuriya appointed full-time head coach of Sri Lanka men’s team
Sri Lanka’s top 11 for T20I series against West Indies
1. Pathum Nissanka
- Power: Consistent opener with solid technique and ability to build shots.
- Expectation: Provide a consistent start and anchor shots, especially on the power play.
- What he brings to the team: Nissanka’s ability to rotate the shot and find gaps early sets the tone for shots that allow other aggressive hitters to play freely.
2. Kusal Mendis (week)
- Power: Aggressive top scorer with quick scoring ability.
- Expectation: Use the power play and speed up the scoring rate.
- What he brings to the team: Mendis’ aggressive approach puts pressure on the opposition bowlers and his wicketkeeping skills add balance to the playing XI.
3. Kusal Perera
- Power: Explosive left-handed batsman known for his attacking shots.
- Expectation: Score quick runs and take advantage of pitch limitations.
- What he brings to the team: Perera’s fearless approach and experience make him a game changer at the top and give Sri Lanka a boost early in the innings.
4. Charith Asalanka (c)
- Power: Reliable middle order batter with leadership qualities.
- Expectation: Stabilize shots and lead the team, especially in difficult situations.
- What he brings to the team: As a captain, Asalanka provides stability in the middle and has the ability to adapt his game to the situation, making him a reliable player.
5. Bhanuka Rajapaksa
- Power: A power hitter capable of finishing games with an aggressive hitting game.
- Expectation: Finish shots strongly and control the pressure in the death overs.
- What he brings to the team: Rajapaksa’s ability to play big shots under pressure helps Sri Lanka increase their total in the last overs and adds depth to the batting line-up.
6. Dinesh Chandimal
- Power: Experienced campaigner with solid hitting technique.
- Expectation: Provide stability and guide young players through the difficult stages of shooting.
- What he brings to the team: Chandimal’s experience and ability to adapt his game to the situation helps the team build partnerships and get out of difficult situations.
7. Wanindu Hasaranga
- Power: A classy all-rounder with exceptional bowling and useful batting skills.
- Expectation: Pick up important wickets in the middle overs and contribute quick runs to the order.
- What he brings to the team: Hasaranga’s dual role as wicketkeeper and lower-order batter makes him a valuable asset who can change the course of a game with both bat and ball.
8. Dunith Wellalage
- Power: A promising all-rounder with potential in both batting and bowling.
- Expectation: Support the bowling attack and add depth to the batting line-up.
- What he brings to the team: Wellalage’s versatility allows the team to have an extra spin option and his lower-order batting can contribute valuable runs.
9. Mahesh Theekshana
- Power: A mysterious spinner with variations that trouble batsmen.
- Expectation: Control the flow of runs and take key wickets during the middle overs.
- What he brings to the team: Theekshana’s unique bowling style makes it difficult for batsmen to score freely and gives Sri Lanka an advantage, especially on spin-friendly tracks.
10. Matheesha Pathirana
- Power: Fast bowler with speed and accuracy, capable of delivering yorkers.
- Expectation: Strike early and keep the pressure on with aggressive bowling during powerplays and death overs.
- What he brings to the team: Pathirana’s fast and accurate batting ability, along with his ability to deliver yorkers makes him a key bowler for Sri Lanka, especially in the final innings.
11. Binura Fernando
- Power: A tall left-arm pacer with the ability to swing the ball.
- Expectation: Provide jumps and maintain a good economy rate.
- What he brings to the team: Fernando’s left-arm angle and ability to move the ball both ways add variety to the Sri Lankan bowling attack, making him a tough bowler for opposition batsmen.
