Sri Lanka’s recent run of results hasn’t been the best, but the 2002 joint-winner has the squad to make a splash at the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.
Sri Lanka will enter the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 hoping for their second title success after having shared the trophy with India in 2002, but their
Pooled with India, South
Malinga, who last played a One-Day International in November 2015, will head the pace attack that includes Nuwan Kulasekara, Nuwan
The batting is a mix of youth and experience. Mathews, alongside Upul Tharanga, should lend stability to the side, while Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis and Niroshan Dickwella will add flair to the proceedings. Thisara’s role cannot be overstated. Apart from the few overs of medium pace, he will be expected to provide late impetus with the bat.
History
Sri Lanka has featured in every edition of the ICC Champions Trophy to date. They were the joint winner with India in the 2002 edition, when heavy rains at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo spoilt the party. Sri Lanka has also finished in the semi-finals on two occasions; the inaugural edition in 1998 and in the most recent one in 2013. They suffered group-phase exit in the 2004, 2006 and 2009
Recent form
Sri Lanka hasn’t had the best run in recent times. Since the start of 2016, they have played 27 ODIs, winning seven and losing 15. They were whitewashed in a five-match ODI series by South Africa in early 2017, then tied a series at home against Bangladesh 1-1, before the 1-1 result against Scotland. Sri Lanka will, however, take heart from the fact that they played those games without Mathews and Malinga.
Watch out for
Niroshan Dickwella was the top run-getter for Sri Lanka in the ODI series in South Africa. The 23-year-old has missed games because of injuries but has displayed fine skills with the bat when given a chance and is also a strong wicketkeeper. If he brings his ‘A’ game to the table, it will be a major fillip to the Sri Lankan batting order, which has appeared a tad fragile in recent times.
Squad
Angelo Mathews (capt), Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Nuwan Pradeep, Asela Gunaratne, Chamara Kapugedara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Seekkuge Prasanna, Lakshan Sandakan, Suranga Lakmal, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan
This article first appeared on the ICC media zone.
PHOTO: Lasith Malinga of Sri Lanka bowls during day one of the T20 International Australia and Sri Lanka match at the MCG in Melbourne, Australia, 17 February 2017. EPA/TRACEY NEARMY